Alabama vs. Tennessee: Prediction, Pick, Odds Preview

The SEC is in the midst of a historically great men’s basketball season. Auburn is in prime position to earn the overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, while several other teams are in position for a favorable draw.

Two of those others are Alabama and Tennessee, both of which are still in contention for one of two remaining No. 1 seeds. (Aside from Auburn, Duke appears to have the second No. 1 seed locked up.)

That means the head-to-head matchup between the two teams this Saturday afternoon could have major implications beyond just the end-of-season standings. It should be a popular option in BetMGM’s online sports betting offerings.

Alabama vs. Tennessee Odds

• Alabama vs. Tennessee Spread: Tennessee -3.5
• Alabama vs. Tennessee Total: 158.5
• Alabama vs. Tennessee Moneyline: Tennessee -170

Alabama vs. Tennessee Preview

Broadly speaking, the story of this game will largely be Alabama’s fast, high-scoring offense against Tennessee’s stingy defense. 

Even a casual viewer who last checked in during last year’s NCAA Tournament can understand what’s dangerous about Nate Oats’ Alabama teams. They move fast, shoot well, and score often. 

Per KenPom, the Tide currently rank third in adjusted offensive efficiency, ninth in effective field goal percentage, and first in shooting percentage inside the arc.

Tennessee, on the other hand, ranks first nationally in effective field goal percentage and adjusted defensive efficiency.

That defense has the Vols sitting tied for fourth in the SEC, so don’t overread Tennessee’s greatness. Their offense is much slower and more methodical, which means bad shooting nights often doom them in games because they have a smaller number of possessions to course-correct.

But Tennessee coach Rick Barnes may have something of a stylistic advantage in this matchup. The deliberate pace and tougher defense has disrupted Alabama’s approach in recent games, leading to a three-game winning streak against Oats. 

If you recall how good Alabama has been over the last two seasons, you won’t be surprised to learn that there aren’t a lot of conference opponents that have beaten Alabama three times since 2023.

Alabama vs. Tennessee Prediction

I am predicting a Tennessee win and cover against Alabama. 

Alabama vs. Tennessee Pick: Tennessee -3.5