Kentucky Wildcats vs Arkansas Razorbacks Picks and Predictions January 31st 2026

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Kentucky Wildcats vs Arkansas Razorbacks Betting Preview

The Kentucky Wildcats head to Fayetteville to face the Arkansas Razorbacks in a Southeastern Conference showdown at Bud Walton Arena. Kentucky enters with a 14-7 record and looks to rebound after a loss to Vanderbilt, while Arkansas aims to defend its perfect 13-0 home mark after beating Oklahoma. With the Razorbacks favored by 7.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Kentucky’s rebounding strength and Arkansas’ offensive firepower.

Line Movement and Odds

Arkansas is favored, but Kentucky’s scoring ability makes this line worth tracking. Current market:

  • Kentucky Spread: +7.5 (-117)
  • Arkansas Spread: -7.5 (-108)
  • Kentucky MoneyLine: +239
  • Arkansas MoneyLine: -314
  • Total: 161.5 (-110)

Check the college basketball odds board for real-time updates, especially as bettors weigh Arkansas’ home dominance against Kentucky’s ability to keep games close.

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Matchup Breakdown

Kentucky Outlook

The Wildcats average 81.2 points per game, with Otega Oweh, Denzel Aberdeen, and DJ Wagner leading the offense. Oweh’s 20 points vs Vanderbilt highlighted his scoring, while Aberdeen’s 15 points showcased his consistency. Kentucky’s efficiency (14-7 overall record; 38.2 rebounds per game; 3-5 on the road) underscores their strengths. Their ability to rebound and score efficiently makes them dangerous even as underdogs.

Arkansas Outlook

The Razorbacks average 89.3 points per game, with Darius Acuff Jr., Meleek Thomas, and Trevon Brazile driving production. Acuff’s 21 points and nine assists vs Oklahoma highlighted his playmaking, while Thomas’ 16 points showcased his balance. Arkansas’ efficiency (16-5 overall record; 13-0 at home; 49.8% FG shooting, 22nd nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score efficiently and defend at home makes them one of the toughest teams in the SEC.

Key Factors

This matchup may hinge on pace and rebounding. Kentucky thrives on Oweh’s scoring and Aberdeen’s consistency, while Arkansas must rely on Acuff’s playmaking and Thomas’ perimeter attack to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.

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Injuries / Availability

Kentucky: The Wildcats report no fresh injury concerns heading into Saturday’s contest.

Arkansas: The Razorbacks are expected to have their full rotation available.

Environment

Bud Walton Arena has been a fortress for Arkansas, where they’ve gone 13-0 this season. Kentucky, however, has shown resilience with four wins in their last five games overall, making this a clash of Razorbacks’ home dominance versus Wildcats’ attempt to break through on the road.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Arkansas 83, Kentucky 76

  • Kentucky +7.5 → Best Bet. Their rebounding and scoring suggest they can keep the game close.
  • Under 161.5 → Total play. Both teams’ moderate pace points toward a combined score below the line.

Arkansas’ depth and home-court advantage should carry them to victory, while Kentucky’s rebounding keeps the spread competitive. Expect a contest that leans lower-scoring, with totals landing just under the posted number.

Handicappers and Service Plays

SEC games often spotlight tempo mismatches and offensive surges. Our Best Handicappers highlight analysts who specialize in conference scoring trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For Kentucky vs Arkansas, expert breakdowns in Buy Picks can help bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.

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