Alabama vs. Missouri: How to watch, odds, picks, final score predictions from ESPN, KenPom

The SEC’s clear top dog faces perhaps its toughest conference test of the season on Saturday, as Alabama visits a zany Missouri team — one of the the few clubs in the league that match the Crimson Tide’s run-and-gun style. Because first year head coach Dennis Gates thrives in high-tempo games. Nate Oats is coming into Mizzou Arena with the intent to beat the Tigers at their own game. Sure, ‘Bama has more talent, far more size and the clear athleticism advantage. But as we know well in college hoops, it’s always the home team who has the advantage.

Tigers and Tide coming up later. For all of the relevant info — tip time, TV channel, point spreads, predictions, etc. — go ahead and read below.

How to watch

Tip-off: 6 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. CT

Location: Columbia, MO

Channel: SEC Network

Vegas odds

According to the Vegas Insider consensus, the visiting Crimson Tide average out as a -5.5 favorite in CoMo this afternoon.

ESPN BPI Prediction

Predicted winner: Alabama

Predicted point differential: 8.7

Win probability: 76.4%

Matchup quality: 81.5

KenPom Prediction

Predicted final score: 87-80 Alabama

Win probability: 74%

More on Alabama-Missouri

Alabama rides a 6-0 conference record into this away matchup and is playing the best basketball of any team in the country of late. They blew away Kentucky two Saturdays ago, then blasted LSU into outer space with a 106-66 win a week ago. But both of those were home contests, while the Tide’s most recent road outing — a 78-66 mid-week win in Memorial Gymnasium over Vanderbilt — wasn’t quite as dominant as their routes in Coleman.

If you’re wondering where Alabama may slip up, this evening’s bout is a prime opportunity. It’s arguably their second-hardest SEC game the rest of the way. They’re still a favorite, too. Though professional sports bettors will tell you that a home underdogs in conference play are the safest bets in the world — and that’s exactly what’s on tap as ‘Bama cruises into CoMo a five-point favorite.

Maybe Alabama continues its dominant run and bulldozes Missouri like they did LSU and Kentucky. Or, perhaps, Coach Gates picks up that signature home win to put the Tigers on the national map the rest of the season.