Missouri vs Kentucky Prediction 1/7/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Kentucky Wildcats and the Missouri Tigers will meet on Wednesday night in an SEC matchup at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky

Kentucky Wildcats Betting Preview

The Kentucky Wildcats enter Tuesday night’s contest with a 9–5 win-loss record, including an 0-1 mark in conference play and an 8-1 home record. Kentucky has compiled wins over Nicholls State, Valparaiso, Eastern Illinois and Tennessee Tech, while dropping games to Louisville, Gonzaga, Alabama and the Michigan State Spartans. In the Kentucky Wildcats convincing 104–54 victory over the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles last month, Kentucky forward Trent Noah tallied 16 points and 5 rebounds illustrating his ability to be a presence in the paint.

The Kentucky Wildcats are averaging 84.1 points (47th in country) on 48.1 percent shooting from the field and 33.1 percent shooting from the three‑point line per game. The Wildcats are allowing opponents 69.3 points on 39.8 percent shooting from the field (31st in nation) per game.

Senior guard Denzel Aberdeen has been a solid contributor for the Wildcats, averaging 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1 steal per game. Senior guard Otega Oweh is averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals per contest. Freshman center Malachi Moreno provides the Wildcats with a strong interior presence averaging 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.

Missouri Tigers Betting Preview

The Missouri Tigers enter Thursday night’s contest with an 8–2 win‑loss record, including a 6–0 mark at home. The Tigers have compiled wins over Howard, VMI, Minnesota, South Carolina State and the South Dakota State Coyotes, while losing games to Nore Dame and Kansas. In Missouri Tigers 86-59 win over the Cleveland State Vikings last month, guard Mark Mitchell tallied 10 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

The Missouri Tigers average 83.2 points on 51.4 percent shooting from the field (11th in country) and 36.5 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Tigers are allowing opponents 71.6 points on 41.7 percent shooting from the field per game.

Senior guard Mark Mitchell leads the Missouri Tigers backcourt averaging 16.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Senior guard Jacob Crews adds 13.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, while senior guard Jayden Stone contributes 12.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 0.5 assists per contest. Junior center Shawn Phillips Jr. adds 7.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. 

Why the Kentucky Wildcats will win

•              Home court advantage. Kentucky is 8–1 at home and has been significantly more efficient at Rupp Arena.

•              Balanced scoring. Denzell Aberdeen and Otega Oweh combine for over 25 points a game.

•              Interior presence. Freshman center Malachi Moreno is averaging 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.

•              Defensive edge. The Kentucky Wildcats are allowing opponents 69.3 points per contest. Conversely, the Missouri Tigers are allowing 71.6 points per game.

Why the Missouri Tigers will win

•              Elite shooting efficiency. The Missouri Tigers average 83.2 points on 51.4 percent shooting from the field (11th in country) per game.

•              Quality guard play. Senior guard Mark Mitchell leads the Missouri Tigers backcourt averaging 16.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.  

Kentucky Wildcats vs. Missouri Tigers Prediction

This matchup features the Kentucky Wildcats home court edge and interior scoring versus the Missouri Tigers efficient perimeter shooting and balanced offense. Missouri has the offensive firepower to keep this game competitive, but the Wildcats ability to score inside, combined with their 8–1 home record, gives them a much more reliable path to victory. If the Kentucky Wildcats can avoid a slow start, I think the Wildcats are the side to pick in this matchup. With that said, I think the play in this game is not a side, but rather a total pick. I am taking under 151.5 points in this matchup.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Under 151.5