Florida vs. Kentucky odds, props, predictions: Can Gators make up SEC ground in rematch with Wildcats?

The Gators and Wildcats are fighting to stay in contention for first place in the SEC. Florida is just two games back, and Kentucky is one game back of Alabama at the top of the conference. This will be the second meeting between the two teams, with Kentucky winning outright as an underdog in the first matchup.

The Wildcats have played six games since their first meeting with Florida, going 4-2 but covering the spread just twice. They have a 12-7 ATS record on the season, and while their offense has been excellent all year, it has faltered in their last two contests. After hitting the OVER in eight consecutive games, Kentucky has hit the UNDER in their last two.

Florida has been on a strong run of play recently, winning their last three. They have covered the spread in two of those three, bringing their season-long ATS record to 8-12. The Gators' defense has been strong recently, hitting the UNDER in four of their last five. 

Here is the Florida vs. Kentucky betting news, player props and a betting prediction for tonight's SEC matchup. The game tips off at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

Live odds for Florida vs. Kentucky

Here are the spread, moneyline and total points live odds for Florida vs. Kentucky at the best online sportsbooks.

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Florida Gators betting news

The good news for Florida: Their improving defense could be a key to their season-long success. Their defense ranks 97th for adjusted efficiency, and their offense is one of the best in the country, ranking 15th for adjusted efficiency on Kenpom. The Gators also play fast, ranking 18th for adjusted tempo, and can go on runs in a blink if their opponents miss a few shots.

The Gators' offense boasts five players in double figures and is diverse in how they score, making them tough to defend. The team's top two leading scorers, Walton Clayton Jr. (15.9 PPG) and Zyon Pullin (14.9 PPG), are an excellent guard combo, and Pullin leads the team in assists at 4.8 APG. Add in forward Tyrese Samuel, who is averaging 13.2 PPG and has been incredibly efficient in scoring the ball, shooting 59.4% from the field, and the Gators have as much scoring as almost anyone.

The best aspect of Florida's team is rebounding, and they are one of the very best teams in the country when it comes to crashing the boards. They are 10th in the country in average rebounding margin, out-rebounding their opponents by an average of nine per game. The Gators rank first in the country in overall rebounding (44.65 RPG) and second in offensive rebounding (16.25 offensive RPG).

Kentucky's leading rebounder averages 7.7 RPG, and the Gators have two players, Tyrese Samuel (8.3 RPG) and Micah Handlogten (7.9 RPG), who average more. Their third leading rebounder, Alex Condon (6.9 RPG), is within one a game. The Wildcats have more scoring options coming from within the offense, but Florida can keep the game close and potentially pull the upset if they bludgeon the Wildcats on the glass.

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Kentucky Wildcats betting news

The Wildcats' offense is elite, ranking ninth in the entire country for adjusted efficiency, and similar to Florida they play at a blistering pace. They rank 12th for adjusted tempo, and with the Gators in the top 20 for pace, tonight's game could be a track meet. Where Kentucky could stand to improve is on defense, ranking 72nd for adjusted efficiency.

That is the Wildcats' worst defensive Kenpom ranking in the last 10 seasons. John Calipari is a fantastic defensive coach, and the Wildcats' chances to meet their ceiling may come from improvements on that side of the floor. The last two contests hit the UNDER for total points, and their win over Arkansas was the fewest points the Wildcats had held a major conference team to all season. 

The Wildcats offense happened to have two of their worst performances all season in conjunction with the improved defensive efforts. If the defense can continue to play well, that would raise the team's ceiling. With five players averaging double figures, including bonafide star Antonio Reeves (19.5 PPG), the Kentucky offense will be fine.

Florida vs. Kentucky player props at Caesars Sportsbook

Here are some of the top team prop markets for Florida vs. Kentucky from Caesars Sportsbook.

Zyon Pullin prop bets

• 15.5 points OVER (-110) / UNDER (-133)
• 3.5 rebounds OVER (-173) / UNDER (+117)
• 4.5 assists OVER (+113) / UNDER (-167)

Walter Clayton Jr. prop bets

• 15.5 points OVER (-129) / UNDER (-113)
• 3.5 rebounds OVER (-135) / UNDER (-108)
• 2.5 assists OVER (-107) / UNDER (-137)
• 2.5 threes OVER (+123) / UNDER (-183)

Will Richard prop bets

• 13.5 points OVER (-131) / UNDER (-111)
• 4.5 rebounds OVER (-117) / UNDER (-125)
• 1.5 threes OVER (-208) / UNDER (+139)

Antonio Reeves prop bets

• 21.5 points OVER (-119) / UNDER (-123)
• 4.5 rebounds OVER (-129) / UNDER (-113)
• 1.5 assists OVER (-113) / UNDER (-129)
• 2.5 threes OVER (+106) / UNDER (-155)

Tre Mitchell prop bets

• 13.5 points OVER (-117) / UNDER (-125)
• 7.5 rebounds OVER (-152) / UNDER (+104)
• 2.5 assists OVER (-152) / UNDER (+104)

D.J. Wagner prop bets

• 13.5 points OVER (-110) / UNDER (-133)
• 2.5 rebounds OVER (+120) / UNDER (-178)
• 3.5 assists OVER (+102) / UNDER (-149)

Florida vs. Kentucky prediction: Kentucky handles the Gators at home

The Wildcats have beat the Gators once this season and did so on the road as underdogs. Now they get Florida at home in Rupp Arena, one of the best environments in college basketball; it is hard to imagine Kentucky having a letdown. The key to protecting home court will be keeping the rebounding margin within reason.

Pick: Kentucky