Arizona vs. Alabama Prediction & Odds: College Basketball Betting Preview for Dec. 13

Let's dive into my Arizona vs. Alabama prediction to set the stage for the marquee matchup of the night. Tipoff between No. 1 Arizona and No. 12 Alabama is slated for 9:30 p.m. ET at Legacy Arena (Birmingham, Alabama) on ESPN.

The Wildcats are 8-0 after thumping Auburn by 29 points last weekend. Alabama (7-2) carries a four-game win streak into Saturday’s showdown.

✅ Arizona vs. Alabama predictions

🏀 Arizona vs. Alabama best bet & score prediction

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Arizona -1.5 (-105) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Arizona might be the best team in college basketball through the first handful of weeks of the season. The Wildcats have won by four or more points in all eight contests, including victories over Florida, UCLA, and UConn.

The case for backing Arizona as a short favorite is much simpler, particularly at this -1.5 line to win $9.52 on a $10 bet.

Wildcats continue to answer every test

I’m not deterred from Arizona by the semi-away location, as the game will be held in Birmingham. The Wildcats earned a hard-fought semi-road win over UCLA on Nov. 14, followed by a 71-67 road victory over UConn.

That’s what makes Arizona so special. It can win in a variety of different ways.

The Wildcats rank ninth in adjusted offensive efficiency and have proven capable of winning track meets. They've scored 97 or more points in three straight games. Saturday’s matchup against Alabama is projected to be high-scoring, with the total at 178.5.

However, Arizona is also capable of shutting things down. The Wildcats rank 10th in adjusted defensive efficiency. They’ve held six of their eight opponents below 70.

There are simply more paths to an Arizona victory tonight.

Score prediction: Arizona 88, Alabama 84

🆚 Arizona vs. Alabama matchup to watch

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Koa Peat vs. Alabama’s frontcourt

This will be a good test for Arizona freshman forward Koa Peat. He’s averaging 15.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game on 56.3% shooting.

But I’m fading his impact on the glass in this spot, considering his recent form. Peat hasn’t finished with more than four rebounds in three straight contests. He’s failed to clear this line in five of his eight outings.

Alabama’s average rebound rate should do enough to keep Peat below this number.

Head over to our college basketball best bets today for more prop picks.

Best prop bet: Koa Peat Under 6.5 rebounds (-135 via BetMGM)

📊 Arizona vs. Alabama odds

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📺 How to watch Arizona vs. Alabama

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 13
• Tipoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Legacy Arena (Birmingham, AL)
• TV: ESPN