#9 Kentucky vs. #12 Louisville Picks and Predictions: Blue Grass Battle

|
Mark Pope and Kentucky are 2-0 to start the year - Kentucky Louisville Picks

Two of the most exciting college basketball teams in the country battle it our for an in state rivalry game on Tuesday night. The top ten Kentucky Wildcats head to the KFC Yum! Center to take on the No. 12 ranked Louisville Cardinals. Both Pat Kelsey and Mark Pope are in their second year coaching at their new schools, and tonight the two go head to head in this Blue Grass Battle. Let’s get into our favorite picks and figure out what the play is for this contest.

NCAA Basketball Conference Previews

Go to Betting News to check out what else I’ve got on my daily card, and view the latest odds at the best online sportsbooks.

#9 Kentucky Wildcats vs. #12 Louisville Cardinals NCAA Basketball Insights

Pat Kelsey and the Louisville Cardinals take on Kentucky tonight - Kentucky Louisville Picks

Pat Kelsey and the Louisville Cardinals take on Kentucky tonight

Kentucky looked a little weary in their opener to Nicholls State, winning by just 26 at home. They followed it up by obliterating Valparaiso in preparation for this in-state rivalry game. Pittsburgh transfer Jaland Lowe finally made an appearance for the Wildcats against Valpo after missing their first game, but Jayden Quaintance from Arizona State has yet to appear in a game, as he is still nursing an injury. If he is sidelined tonight, the Wildcats’ front court takes a massive step back.

As for Louisville they put up triple digits against both South Carolina State and Jackson State, winning by 59 and 36 in their contests. This team looks ready to roll, and I think they are equipped to compete with Duke in the ACC this upcoming season. But they have a hell of a test tonight to see where they are at against a National Championship contender. However I trust Pat Kelsey to calm his guys nerves, let them know they can compete with anyone, and have them ready to come to play today.

Matchup Information – Kentucky vs. Louisville – November 11

  • Venue & Location: KFC Yum! Center (Louisville, KY)
  • Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
  • Kick Off: 8:00 p.m. Eastern
  • Broadcast: ESPN

Kentucky vs. Louisville Betting Odds

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of November 11, 2025 at 9:16 a.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code BNBOL55 for a 55% deposit bonus. BetOnline offers a wide variety of unique markets across nearly every sport imaginable.

Spread

  • Kentucky +5.5 (-108)
  • Louisville -5.5 (-112)

Moneyline

  • Kentucky +192
  • Louisville -230

Total

  • Over 175 (-110)
  • Under 175 (-110)

#9 Kentucky vs. #12 Louisville NCAA Basketball Picks and Predictions

Otega Oweh and Kentucky are still a bit shorthanded to start this CBB season - Kentucky Louisville Picks

Otega Oweh and Kentucky are still a bit shorthanded to start this CBB season

Kentucky vs. Louisville Prediction: Louisville Wins and Covers, Over 175

Best Bet: Kentucky/Louisville Over 175 (-110) BetOnline

Part of me wishes I took the Cardinals -3 last night when it was staring me in the face, but instead I did get some CLV on this over, booking 172.5. I still think 175 is good to go, as I see something similar to the Alabama vs. St. John’s game that soared over a 171 total as well. This match tonight should be a track meet.

In Kentucky’s two games, we saw 70 and 75 possessions, as they sped up a bit the second game, which makes sense considering their are top 20 in pace according to Haslametrics. Louisville saw 82 and 77 possessions in their matchups. The Cardinals rank No. 54 in pace as well, so both teams love to run and speed up the game, making me believe we see plenty of trips up and down the floor to cover this number.

Now, both Bart Torvik and Haslametrics have this going well under the total, but I don’t necessarily blindly trust the analytics this early in the season. Both offenses are very efficient shooting the ball, they get to the free throw line a ton, so expect plenty of points from the stripe with the clock stopped in this game.

Ultimately, I think Louisville is good enough to pull off this win, although the spread at the current number gives me a bit of pause. Just back the over and root for offense tonight in Louisville.

Still Didn’t Get Your NCAA Basketball Fix?

Here at Betting News, we offer Free Expert Picks for every major sports league. We also host daily streams on our Twitch Channel with our best bets, as well as sweat out games on Playback! Be sure to tune into everything we have going on at our Youtube, TikTok, and X pages as well, and follow my personal twitter @Shaggy_Bets for my full daily card.

Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly

Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER

Check Out All of Our Betting Resources at Betting News