Kentucky vs. Louisville: Prediction, pick, spread, basketball game odds, live stream, watch online, TV channel
One of college basketball’s fiercest rivalries comes up Saturday when Kentucky and No. 20 Louisville on CBS go head-to-head in a battle between two teams concerned with their share of fights. It was a nightmare start to Kenny Payne’s coaching tenure in Louisville when the Cardinals went 2-11. But a win over Kentucky would cover a multitude of sins, and the Wildcats have looked vulnerable this season.
At 8-4, Kentucky has suffered double-digit losses to Gonzaga, UCLA and Missouri, with a single notable win over Michigan. The team’s lackluster start after a historic loss to 15th-seeded Saint Peter’s in the first round of the 2022 NCAA tournament has put 14th-year coach John Calipari under scrutiny.
The Wildcats have the reigning Naismith International of the Year in Oscar Tshiebwe and key returning veterans in Sahvir Wheeler and Jacob Toppin. They also have a pair of five-star freshmen in Cason Wallace and Chris Livingston and two potential impact transfers in Antonio Reeves and CJ Frederick. But despite what appeared to be a solid collection of ingredients, Calipari failed to find consistency.
Louisville also has some talent, but the Cardinals’ roster is sorely lacking in quality guards. As a result, Senior El Ellis is playing a Herculean role and has a top 10 usage rate among all players nationally. Essentially, Ellis was asked to do anything for the Cardinals after spending 20.5 minutes per game in a part-time starting role last season.
The Cardinals rank 353rd nationally with 61.4 points per game and have a habit of being blown out against Power Conference opposition. But if anyone knows how to put together a game plan against Kentucky, it should be Payne. Though a former star forward for the Cardinals, Payne worked as an assistant for Calipari in Kentucky from 2010-2020.
While things always heat up when these teams play, a number of factors are heating up this year’s gathering. For one thing, last year’s gathering was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns under the Louisville program, meaning two years of pent-up aggression is waiting to be broken free. Also, the Wildcats just won a massive recruiting battle for the Cardinals by signing five-star guard DJ Wagner, whose grandfather Milt, who works for the Louisville program, is a former Cardinals star player.
It’s always entertaining when Kentucky and Louisville play, and while the game is at its best when both teams are playing well, this year’s version also packs plenty of intrigue.
How to watch Kentucky vs. Louisville live
date: Saturday 31 December | time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: Rupp Arena – Lexington, Kentucky
TV: CBS | Live broadcast: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
Kentucky vs. Louisville prediction, tips
There’s not much heart or will to fix Louisville’s miserable offense and poorly constructed roster, but the Cardinals at least have the size and athleticism to be a solid defensive team. Amid a dreadful start, the Cardinals’ motivation to play quality defense was in question. But motivation for an elite college basketball rivalry game shouldn’t be lacking here. Make sure Louisville keeps it all on the ground against a mediocre Kentucky squad and keeps that result semi-respectable. Forecast: Louisville +23.5
Who will win and cover in every college basketball game? Visit SportsLine to get tips from the model that has simulated every game 10,000 times and has made more than $1,200 for $100 players on its top spread picks over the past six years.
