Louisville Cardinals vs Kentucky Wildcats Picks and Predictions November 11th 2025

Game Preview – Kentucky @ Louisville

The Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats renew one of college basketball’s fiercest rivalries Tuesday night at the KFC Yum! Center, where both nationally ranked programs enter unbeaten at 2-0.

Louisville (2-0) comes into the matchup with momentum after dominant wins over South Carolina State and Jackson State, averaging 105.0 points per game. The Cardinals have outscored opponents by a combined 95 points through two games — their best start since 2010 — and head coach Pat Kelsey knows the stakes.

“It’s going to be an unbelievable atmosphere here at the Yum Center,” Kelsey said following Thursday’s 106-70 victory.

Sophomore Khani Rooths has emerged as Louisville’s leader, averaging 18 points and 8.5 rebounds. Veteran J’Vonne Hadley remains day-to-day after entering concussion protocol, while senior Kasean Pryor recently returned from ACL surgery and adds a major boost to the rotation.

Kentucky (2-0) counters with depth and balance. The Wildcats cruised past Nicholls and Valparaiso by a combined margin of 74 points, averaging 92 per game while holding opponents to just 55. Collin Chandler leads the team at 14.5 points per game, while freshman big man Malachi Moreno has been a force off the bench, averaging 11.5 points and 9.5 rebounds.

Head coach Mark Pope praised Moreno’s physicality: “He’s stronger than people expect. He’s rebounding out of his area and playing with real determination.”

This matchup marks the 18th time both programs have been ranked entering the rivalry. Kentucky has won six of the last seven meetings, including three straight overall.

Line Movement and Odds

Louisville opened as a 4.5-point favorite, with the total set at 175.5 — one of the highest on Tuesday’s slate.

Market	Current Line
Spread	Louisville -4.5 (-109) / Kentucky +4.5 (-115)
Total (O/U)	175.5 Points
Moneyline	Louisville -198 / Kentucky +156

Track live odds movement and betting splits at the college basketball odds board.

Louisville Outlook

The Cardinals’ early success under Kelsey has been fueled by fast pace, inside scoring, and rebounding dominance. Louisville is shooting 71.9% on two-point attempts, ranking among the top 15 nationally, and averaging 48 rebounds per game.

Rooths has been the focal point on both ends, but Ryan Conwell’s perimeter efficiency (15.5 PPG, 40% from three) gives the offense balance. Pryor’s return further enhances the team’s frontcourt size and versatility.

Defensively, Louisville’s biggest challenge will be keeping Kentucky off the glass and limiting transition buckets. The home crowd should provide an emotional lift as they seek their first win over Kentucky since 2021.

Louisville Injury Report

• J’Vonne Hadley (G) – Questionable, concussion protocol.

Kentucky Outlook

The Wildcats’ hallmark under Pope has been offensive balance and tempo. Seven players average double figures, and the team ranks top 10 nationally in assists (21.5 per game) and rebounding (50.5 per game).

Kentucky’s length and versatility allow them to control pace on both ends. Otega Oweh and Collin Chandler headline a dynamic backcourt, while Moreno and senior forward Tre Mitchell anchor the interior.

The Wildcats have thrived in early-season neutral and road environments, and their ability to spread the floor could create matchup issues for Louisville’s defense.

Kentucky Injury Report

No major injuries reported.

Key Matchup / Path to Victory

This rivalry often comes down to physicality and composure. Louisville’s frontcourt tandem of Rooths and Pryor will battle Kentucky’s Moreno and Mitchell for control of the glass. Both teams prefer high tempo, but the side that executes in transition defense will likely dictate the flow.

Expect Louisville to attack early in the paint, while Kentucky relies on ball movement and rebounding depth to counter.

Learn how pace and efficiency impact rivalry games in the college basketball expert guide.

Betting Trends

• Kentucky is 6-1 SU in its last seven games vs. Louisville.
• The Wildcats are 5-2 ATS in their last seven nonconference games.
• Louisville is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games.
• The over has hit in five of the last seven meetings between these teams.
• Both teams are 2-0 to the over this season.

Find more matchup stats and picks at college basketball picks.

Prediction

This rivalry should deliver on the hype. Both offenses are hot, but Kentucky’s depth and rebounding balance could keep the Wildcats within striking distance — and possibly spring an upset. Louisville’s home court will play a major role, but expect a high-scoring, tight contest.

Projected Score: Louisville 101, Kentucky 98
Best Bet: Kentucky +4.5
Total Lean: Over 175.5

For more college basketball analysis and daily previews, check the NCAAB expert betting guide.

Why You Need to Buy Picks

Rivalry games create emotional betting markets and inflated lines. ScoresAndStats’ verified experts analyze possession data, tempo, and matchup metrics to identify value before public money shifts the odds.

Check the Handicappers Leaderboard for top-performing NCAAB experts. Learn proven betting tactics in the sports betting strategies guide and sharpen your fundamentals with the beginner’s betting guide.

ScoresAndStats — expert picks, transparent records, and sharp analysis for every major college basketball rivalry.