Post Action Betting

SEC Tournament odds, prediction: Kentucky peaking at right time

By
Social Links for Dylan Svoboda
Published March 13, 2024, 8:59 a.m. ET
Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts after a play during the first half in the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
John Calipari and Kentucky could be the team to beat in the SEC Tournament. Getty Images

The SEC Tournament kicks off Wednesday. 

While there’s a clear favorite at the top of the oddsboard, the conference has been one of the most competitive all season, leaving ample opportunity for a long shot to take the crown. 

And that’s exactly where I’m putting my money. 

The No. 1 seed Tennessee Volunteers (+175) are the clear favorites at FanDuel Sportsbook to win the SEC championship after a dominant regular season, but there’s a team a bit further down the oddsboard that boasts similar talent and a much bigger potential payout. 

The second-seeded Kentucky Wildcats, who have the third-best odds at +400, come into the tournament as one of the hottest teams in college basketball, winning eight of their last 10 games. 

That recent stretch includes impressive wins over No. 19 Alabama and No. 12 Auburn and close losses to No. 17 Gonzaga and LSU. 

Adou Thiero #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates after D.J. Wagner #21 made a three point shot in the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Adou Thiero #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates after D.J. Wagner #21 made a 3-point shot in the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Getty Images

Kentucky also beat Tennessee during the regular-season finale Saturday, although the Vols had already clinched the regular season SEC title coming into the contest. 

John Calipari’s offense has been nearly unstoppable over the past couple of weeks, dropping 85 points on Tennessee’s vaunted defense and 90+ in each of their previous four games. 

Kentucky had the consensus top recruiting class coming into this season, and it appears that it’s all coming together at the right time.

SEC Tournament Odds

TeamOdds
No. 1 Tennessee+175
No. 4 Auburn+240
No. 2 Kentucky+400
No. 3 Alabama+500
No. 6 Florida+1600
No. 5 South Carolina50/1
No. 7 Texas A&M50/1
No. 9 Mississippi State50/1
No. 10 Ole Miss100/1
No. 8 LSU250/1
No. 12 Arkansas250/1
No. 14 Missouri250/1
No. 13 Vanderbilt250/1
No. 11 Georgia250/1
Odds viaFanDuel

Betting on College Basketball?

They also draw the easier side of the bracket as well – they wouldn’t have to face the Vols or the second-favorite Auburn Tigers (+240) until the championship game. 

The Wildcats are priced like a long shot but they have the talent to match up with anyone. 

Throw a unit or two on Calipari and Co. 

The pick: Kentucky Wildcats to win SEC Tournament (+400, FanDuel)