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Kentucky vs. Missouri live stream: Betting odds, TV channel, prediction

By Mike Phillips

Jan 30, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Dru Smith (12) shoots a free throw during overtime against the TCU Horned Frogs at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Dru Smith (12) shoots a free throw during overtime against the TCU Horned Frogs at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Missouri will look to bury Kentucky even further in the SEC tonight.

If you told a casual college basketball fan that tonight’s matchup between Kentucky and Missouri would feature one team headed towards a top-3 seed in the NCAA Tournament and another that’s nowhere near the bubble, few would guess which team is in which spot correctly.

The Wildcats enter this game with a 5-10 overall record that includes a .500 record in SEC play. A brutal performance in the non-conference schedule has killed Kentucky, leaving them in a position where they essentially have to win out to give themselves a prayer of ending up in the NCAA Tournament.

John Calipari’s team lost a major opportunity to pick up a quality win when their game against Texas last Saturday was canceled after the Wildcats were placed on a 48-hour pause due to COVID-19. Tonight’s game against Missouri and Saturday’s matchup with Tennessee are among Kentucky’s few remaining chances to earn a signature victory.

The Tigers have had a strong year, picking up quality victories against Oregon and Illinois in the non-conference portion of the schedule and splitting their season series with Tennessee. Junior guard Xavier Pinson has been the catalyst for Missouri, averaging 15.1 points per game and 3.4 points per night, including a career-high 36 points in the Tigers’ overtime win over TCU in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge over the weekend.

This contest could be interesting since Missouri has trouble defending, which could allow Kentucky’s underachieving offense to get some room to operate. The Wildcats have plenty of talent and are desperate but heading on the road to get this win appears to be a tall order given their inconsistent play this year.

How to bet and watch Kentucky at Missouri

    • Date: Wednesday, Feb. 3
    • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
    • Location: Columbia, MO
    • Venue: Mizzou Arena
    • TV: ESPN2
    • Live Stream: WatchESPN
    • Line: Missouri -4.5 (OddsShark)
    • Prediction: Missouri 78, Kentucky 70

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