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Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Auburn Tigers Picks and Predictions February 18, 2026

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The Auburn Tigers travel to Starkville tonight to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs in an SEC clash with significant postseason implications. Tip-off is set for 9:00 PM ET at Humphrey Coliseum, with the action airing live on ESPN2. Both teams are fighting to stay relevant in a crowded SEC middle class, as Auburn (14-11) looks to snap a four-game skid while Mississippi State (12-13) aims to build on the momentum of a massive rivalry win over Ole Miss.

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Auburn vs Mississippi State Odds

Oddsmakers currently have the Tigers as a short road favorite, though the line has seen movement following recent roster developments. You can find the latest college basketball odds for this SEC matchup to track any further fluctuations before tip-off.

TeamMoneylineSpreadTotal
Auburn-191-3.5 (-118)O 154.5 (-110)
Mississippi State+150+3.5 (-108)U 154.5 (-110)

Auburn Betting Form

Auburn enters this contest desperate for a win after dropping four consecutive games, including an 88-75 loss at Arkansas. Freshman Tahaad Pettiford has been a bright spot, coming off a 29-point performance. The Auburn Tigers stats and results show an offense that ranks 33rd nationally, averaging 84.0 points per game, largely fueled by an elite ability to draw fouls and convert at the charity stripe (74.2%).

The headline of the Auburn Tigers injury report is the return of leading scorer Keyshawn Hall (20.7 PPG). Hall, who missed the Arkansas game due to a disciplinary suspension, has been cleared to play tonight. His return provides a massive boost to a Tigers team that struggled to find consistent scoring during his absence. However, depth remains an issue as backup Abdul Bashir is expected to remain out with a back injury, and center Gai Chol is sidelined for the season.

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Mississippi State Betting Form

The Bulldogs are trending upward after a dominant 90-78 road win at Ole Miss, where star guard Josh Hubbard exploded for 32 points. The Mississippi State schedule and stats reflect a team that lives and dies by its rebounding and interior play, ranking 29th in the nation with nearly 40 boards per game. Under coach Chris Jans, the Bulldogs have proven they can be a tough out in Starkville, despite a 7-9 home record that belies their competitiveness.

The Mississippi State Bulldogs injury report is relatively clean compared to their opponents. Junior center Gai Chol (unrelated to Auburn’s player of the same name) is out, but the core rotation featuring Hubbard, Jayden Epps, and Achor Achor is fully available. Their defensive strategy tonight will likely focus on neutralizing Hall and Pettiford, forcing Auburn into long-range jump shots where they shoot a middling 33%.

Auburn vs Mississippi State Matchup Breakdown

This matchup features a clash of styles: Auburn’s high-octane, foul-drawing offense against Mississippi State’s physical, rebounding-focused defense. Auburn ranks 4th in the country in free-throw attempts, which could neutralize Mississippi State’s home-court advantage if they can get Hubbard or Achor into early foul trouble.

The return of Keyshawn Hall is the “X-factor.” Auburn’s offense is significantly more dynamic with him on the floor, as he occupies defenders and opens up lanes for Pettiford and KeShawn Murphy. Mississippi State will look to exploit Auburn’s road struggles (2-6 away record) by controlling the pace and using their 39.8 RPG to limit Auburn’s second-chance opportunities. If the Bulldogs can shoot anywhere near the 57.9% they managed against Ole Miss, they are in a prime position for a home upset.

Auburn vs Mississippi State Predictions and Best Bets

While Auburn is the better team on paper, their recent four-game losing streak and poor road record are concerning. However, the return of Hall provides the “reset” this team needs. Auburn has won 73% of their games as favorites this year, and their proficiency at the free-throw line often helps them cover short spreads in late-game situations.

Regarding the total, 154.5 is high, but both teams have been trending toward the “Over.” Auburn averages 84 points while allowing 79, and Mississippi State just hung 90 on Ole Miss. Our model projects an 85-80 victory for the Tigers, clearing the total and covering the spread.

Best Bet: Auburn -3.5 (-118).

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