I generally avoid big games like this because at some point I will have to play them in the Dance (or conference tournament). Why bother until then is usually my school of thought. I'd rather pick the small-school mismatch cherries off the tree so to speak. Auburn is obviously excellent led by Johni Broome, who looks like Carlos Boozer 2.0 and also 45 years old, but man Kentucky +5.5 at home? That seems like an incredibly rare number so I went and looked even though I don't much think historical trends matter: UK is 3-0 SU in its past three as at least a 5-point home dog but hasn't been one since 2013 vs. Florida.

Auburn is coming off a dominant 106-76 victory vs. Oklahoma. After playing three straight home games, the Tigers will hit the road for the first time in two weeks. Kentucky's home-court advantage at Rupp Arena is significant; the Wildcats have a 14-2 home record this season, losing only to Tennessee and Alabama. The Wildcats are now fully healthy and have the size that can match up with Auburn's skillful bunch. By assigning Amari Williams to guard Johni Broome and Andrew Carr to defend the less offensively threatening Dylan Cardwell, Kentucky should be able to limit Auburn's interior scoring. I like the home dog.