Auburn vs. Tennessee Prediction and Odds (Jabari Smith and Tigers Live Underdogs?)

Feb 19, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Wendell Green Jr. (1) dribbles the ball
Feb 19, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Wendell Green Jr. (1) dribbles the ball / Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
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Auburn is still on pace to wrap up a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but is trying to find some of that mid-season form after a road loss last week to Florida.

The SEC leading Tigers get a big opportunity to remind people what they are capable of on the road against a formidable foe in Tennessee.

Here are the odds for this marquee SEC matchup from WynnBET Sportsbook:

Auburn vs. Tennessee Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Auburn: +3.5 (-110)
  • Tennessee: -3.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Auburn: +125
  • Tennessee: -150

Total: 140.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Auburn vs. Tennessee Prediction and Pick

While the luster has worn off of Auburn, this is still a team that profiles as a National Championship contender, elite on both sides of the ball. They head to Knoxville to face a Tennessee team that is starting to look the part of a dark horse come tourney time, but I'm not sure they can match Auburn's frontcourt.

The Tigers have future top three pick Jabari Smith and arguably the best rim protector in the country in Walker Kessler while the Vols are a bit thin up front. John Fulkerson is battling a hip injury and Olivier Nkamhoua has missed the last five games. If they can't match hang down low, the Tigers can eat down low which can offset their struggling perimeter game.

Tennessee has come on strong from the perimeter, posting the third best three-point percentage in SEC play, but with the hosts thin up front, Auburn can focus on shutting down the outside shot.

I see Auburn a bit undervalued here. They have lost two games in conference play on the road in overtime by four and by one. Many are flocking towards backing Tennessee, who beat Kentucky at home recently, but I'm going to back the better team to battle on the road.

PICK: Auburn +3.5, play to +3

You can find all of Reed's bets HERE!