Kentucky Basketball vs. Tennessee viewing info, what to watch for, odds, and predictions

Winners of seven of their last eight games, Kentucky Basketball looks like they have found a rhythm after starting 0-2 in the SEC.

Next up, the Tennessee Volunteers and their gaudy orange come to Lexington on Saturday.

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One of the biggest games on this season’s schedule and one of the few marquee conference games at home, Rupp Arena will certainly be packed and provide one of the best environments of the year.

To add to the excitement, Kentucky is debuting new denim uniforms, which were unveiled on Friday.

On the other side, Tennessee has found momentum of its own, riding a four-game win streak that includes road wins against Alabama and Georgia. The Volunteers will be looking to push it to five and avenge their earlier loss to the Wildcats in January, though that was when Kam Williams was still playing before his foot injury.

This is also a big game in the SEC standings. Kentucky is tied for the most wins of any team at 7-3 in league play, while Tennessee is right behind at 6-3. Whoever wins this game will take a big step toward potentially winning the SEC regular-season championship, while the loser’s hopes of winning the league crown will take a major blow.

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Let’s take a look at the matchup.

Physicality and Rebounding

Under Rick Barnes, Tennessee has become one of the most physical teams in the country, even looking like they are playing a different sport at times.

Prior to the first matchup, the coaching staff prepared the team with the most physical practices of the year, as described by Collin Chandler, who had noticeable cuts and bruises that weren’t from the game. In the last week-plus, the team has been using boxing gloves in practice.

Kentucky needs to be, and has shown the ability to match Tennessee’s physicality, and in no area will that be more important than rebounding, where the Volunteers rank third nationally.

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In a physical rivalry matchup, don’t be surprised if there is another altercation.

Win the Turnover Battle

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Publish date : 2026-02-06 19:40:00

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