Georgia vs. Kentucky Prediction & Odds: College Basketball Picks Today (Feb. 17)

Two SEC programs that are hoping to climb back into the top 25 meet tonight at 9 p.m. ET in the second of an ESPN college basketball doubleheader. Kentucky is a 6.5-point betting favorite at home at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky.

As part of my college basketball predictions, my Georgia vs. Kentucky prediction is expecting an entertaining matchup for Over bettors. 

Don't miss our North Carolina vs. NC State prediction for the first matchup of ESPN's doubleheader, or our UCLA vs. Michigan State prediction for tonight's matchup on Peacock.

🏀 Georgia vs. Kentucky picks & odds today: Feb. 17

See all of our experts' college basketball picks based on the latest college basketball odds; picks rated on a 1-to-5 star confidence scale based on betting value.

Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: 2.61 units

💰 Georgia vs. Kentucky prediction & best bet

Over 161 (-110)

Despite Kentucky's disappointing season, Mark Pope seems to have finally found a bit of rhythm while leaning on a more offense-first lineup. During the Wildcat's 8-2 stretch, they've hit the Over six times, including in three of their last four.

Georgia's the perfect team for Kentucky to bolster its Over record against, with the Bulldogs sitting No. 9 in the country in adjusted tempo and outside the top 60 in adjusted defensive efficiency.

With both teams deploying explosive scorers - Jeremiah Wilkinson (17.1 PPG for Georgia) and Otega Oweh (17 PPG for Kentucky) - I'm expecting a shootout in Lexington.

Score prediction: Kentucky 86, Georgia 78

🔥 Best Georgia vs. Kentucky player prop bet

Otega Oweh Over 20.5 points (-120)

Georgia plays fast and tends to save its energy for the offensive portion of the game. The Bulldogs are allowing the most PPG in SEC play (85.3), and don't have the talent to slow down Oweh.

Kentucky's leading scorer has been popping off against SEC opponents, averaging 20 PPG in conference play and going Over 20.5 points in seven of 12 games, including four of his last six.

With Oweh's recent play and Georgia's penchant for playing in high-scoring games, I'd take this Over with odds as long as -130. I'd also take the Over at 21.5 points, too.

📊 Live Georgia vs. Kentucky odds

After Kentucky opened as an 8.5-point betting favorite, the line has shifted down with the Wildcats now sitting between -6.5 and -7. If the line moves to -5.5 by tip, I'd like Kentucky to cover more than I like the Over.

The game total has drooped by three points at most of our best March Madness betting sites since opening between 164 and 164.5. Georgia's recent string of Unders is likely a contributing factor. I'd take this Over with the game total as high as 163.5.

💡 How I'm betting Georgia vs. Kentucky

Follow all of our college basketball analysis and expert predictions this season.

With Georgia's lack of defense and fast-paced attack, on top of Kentucky's offense getting hot, I'm fully confident allocating three units in total on this game. However, I'm not willing to put more than one unit on any single bet in this matchup, given how sporadic both these teams have been this season.

Kentucky's offense has been at its best during this 8-2 stretch, and Oweh has been the biggest reason why. Taking him to hit the Over on 20.5 points goes hand in hand with Kentucky covering and the Over hitting.

🚀 Georgia vs. Kentucky same-game parlay

Kentucky has covered in four straight games, hitting the Over in three of those matchups. The catalyst for their hot play has been Oweh, who's putting up 21-plus in three of those four games. Georgia's style of play lends well to Kentucky continuing to be at its best on the offensive end.

📈 Georgia vs. Kentucky betting trends

📺 How to watch Georgia vs. Kentucky

• Date: Tuesday, Feb. 17
• Tipoff: 9 p.m. ET
• Location: Rupp Arena (Lexington, Ky.)
• TV: ESPN