Louisville vs. Kentucky Prediction, Odds & Picks for Dec. 14 | College Basketball Season 2024-25
The Louisville Cardinals (6-4) visit the No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats (9-1) on Saturday in the annual Battle of the Bluegrass at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
The much-anticipated Louisville vs. Kentucky showdown pits two of the state's most prestigious college basketball teams.
The Wildcats are coming off a 78-67 win over the Colgate Raiders, while the Cardinals are fresh off a narrow 77-74 victory over the UTEP Miners on Wednesday night.
Let's look at the odds and predictions for this blockbuster showdown.
Louisville vs. Kentucky Prediction
The Kentucky Wildcats have been unstoppable at home this season, winning their first seven games at Rupp Arena by an average of 29.4 points. The Wildcats' depth is their biggest weapon, with six players averaging in double figures.
Kentucky is the fifth-ranked team in college basketball for a reason. The Wildcats' ability to score points in bunches should help them dominate this contest.
Mark Pope's men are ranked first in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 91.1 points per game. They have scored at least 100 points in four of their nine wins.
The Cardinals have also shown they can light it up on offense, averaging 76.1 points per game. Chucky Hepburn and Terrence Edwards Jr. have been their offensive stalwarts this season, averaging 14.1 and 12.9 points, respectively. They combined for 34 points in the win over UTEP.
Expect a high-scoring showdown between Louisville and Kentucky and for Over 159.5 points to hit in the total. The Wildcats are 5-5 ATS this season, and we expect them to cover the 10.5-point spread against the Cardinals.
Louisville vs. Kentucky Odds
Louisville vs. Kentucky Picks
Pick #1: Over 159.5 (-110)
Pick #2: Kentucky -10.5 (-115)
Pick #3: Kentucky Moneyline (-700)
Louisville vs. Kentucky Head-to-Head
This will be the 57th meeting between the two basketball programs. The Wildcats have dominated the series, winning 39 of 56 matchups against the Cardinals, including eight of their last 10 meetings.
They last faced each other on Dec. 21, 2023, with Kentucky recording a 95-76 win at KFC Yum! Center.
Where to watch Louisville vs. Kentucky
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN at 5:15 p.m. ET on Saturday from Rupp Arena. FuboTV will also live stream it.
Louisville vs. Kentucky injuries
The Cardinals and the Wildcats have no injury concerns, with both teams receiving a clean bill of health ahead of their clash.