Alabama visits Auburn Wednesday night after winning the first matchup of the season at home. Auburn has played well since the loss, winning two out of three to keep pace in the conference race.
Alabama limped into conference play but has become the team to beat in the SEC. The Crimson Tide are 13-8-1 against the spread this season. They are also on their longest spread cover streak of the season, winning and covering in their last four. The strong play, led by their offense, has hit the OVER in five of their last seven contests.
The Tigers have been solid as a spread bet this season, going 14-8 ATS. After losing to Alabama, the Tigers had a letdown against Mississippi, losing as the odds favorite. Auburn has turned it around, winning their last two and covering the spread in each. The Tigers' defense has been the driving force, with the UNDER hitting in five of their last six.
Here is the Alabama vs. Auburn betting news, team props and a betting prediction for tonight's SEC Conference matchup. The game tips off tonight at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
Live odds for Alabama vs. Auburn
Here are the spread, moneyline and total points live odds for Alabama vs. Auburn at the best online sportsbooks.
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Auburn Tigers betting news
Auburn is a good offensive team, ranking 13th for adjusted efficiency on Kenpom. The Tigers' defense is elite, though, and capable of shutting down almost any opponent, ranking fifth for adjusted efficiency. They play with a quick pace, ranking 71st for adjusted tempo, and have played tough competition ranking 71st for the strength of schedule.
The Tigers' star player is among the most skilled players in all of college hoops. Johni Broome leads the team in scoring at 15.7 PPG, rebounding at 8.8 RPG and blocks at 2.3 BPG. The junior forward can do it all, ranking in the top 60 in the nation in rebounding, top-20 in blocks and top-50 in field goal percentage (56.3%).
He has an excellent supporting cast, starting with his frontcourt partner Jaylin Williams (12.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG). Williams is even better from the field than Broome, shooting 59.6%, and is a stellar pick-and-pop option, shooting 40.4% from three. In the backcourt, Auburn rotates five players that average at least 17.5 minutes a night and score seven points or more a night.
The depth gives the Tigers options in crunch time, as any of the three could finish a game, depending on which of the group is having the best night. Chad Baker-Mazara (9.4 PPG0, Aden Holloway (8.9 PPG), Denver Jones (7.8 PPG), K.D. Johnson (7.3 PPG) and Tre Donaldson (7.1 PPG) each have varying strengths making game planning for opponents tough. The five guards range from 6-foot to 6-foot-7, allowing Auburn to match up with any opponent.
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Alabama Crimson Tide betting news
The Crimson Tide struggled in some primetime matchups before conference play started, losing their last four games against major conference opponents. Alabama gave up 85 points or more in each of those four losses. The Crimson Tide had an issue with trying to win in shootouts, and their defense was nonexistent.
Alabama ranks 56th for adjusted defensive efficiency, and while that's not great, they have climbed from ranking mid-70s before SEC play. While no one will confuse them for the Motown Pistons defensively, they have improved enough that not every big matchup has to be a shootout for them to win. It has been a direct correlation to Alabama winning more games, as they have only lost one conference game — when they allowed Tennessee to score 91 points.
With the improved defense, their offense has continued to be elite, putting up points at a rapid rate. The Crimson Tide rank 17th for adjusted tempo and second for adjusted offensive efficiency. Mark Sears has been incredible this season, scoring 20.1 PPG, ranking top 30 in the country, and the senior has been very efficient, especially for a guard. He is shooting 52.6% from the field and is elite from three, shooting 44.7%
Sears has a good group supporting him, with three others in double figures. Aaron Estrada (12.9 PPG), Grant Nelson (12.1 PPG) and Rylan Griffen (10.6 PPG) have all had impressive performances at various times. While each has also proved, they are productive enough that opponents must account for them, allowing Sears room to operate.
Alabama vs. Auburn team props at FanDuel Sportsbook
Here are some of the top team prop markets for Alabama vs. Auburn from FanDuel Sportsbook.
- 1st half moneyline: Alabama (+154) vs. Auburn (-192)
- 1st half point total: 77.5 points OVER (-118) / UNDER (-106)
- Auburn total team points: 84.5 points OVER (-110) / UNDER (-110)
- Alabama total team points: 79.5 points OVER (-105) / UNDER (-115)
- Two or more three-point field goals in the first three minutes of the game: YES (-112) / NO (-112)
- Both teams to score in the first two minutes: YES (-370) / NO (+265)
- Total points in the first minute of the game: 2.5 points OVER (-136) / UNDER +-102)
Alabama vs. Auburn prediction: Crimson Tide finish season sweep of rival
Alabama one of the hottest teams in the country, and their defense has improved enough to keep opponents from lighting them up. They have maintained their elite offensive capabilities, surging to first place in the SEC. Auburn is a good team, but they will likely have a tough time keeping up with Alabama.
Pick: Alabama
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