Alabama vs. Oklahoma: How to watch, odds, predictions from ESPN, KenPom

Alabama, one of the hottest teams in the country, is set to take on Oklahoma in a matchup in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge that promises plenty of intrigue. The Crimson Tide enter riding a nine-game winning streak, while the Sooners go into Saturday’s showdown the losers of three straight. Below is a smorgasbord of information on the key matchup.

How to watch Alabama vs. Oklahoma

Tip-off: 2 p.m. ET

Location: Norman, Okla.

Channel: ESPN

Vegas odds

Alabama is a 5.5-point favorite over Oklahoma on Saturday, according to VegasInsider.

ESPN BPI prediction

Predicted winner: Alabama

Predicted point differential: 6.4

Win probability (for Alabama): 72.1%

Matchup quality: 85.0

ESPN’s College Basketball Power Index (BPI) is a tool that measures team strength and uses that to predict outcomes of future performances. ESPN’s BPI has the game ranked as the 10th highest-rated game on Thursday’s slate in terms of matchup quality.

KenPom prediction

Predicted final score: Alabama 75, Oklahoma 68

Win probability (for Alabama): 71%

More on Alabama vs. Oklahoma

Alabama enters as a decent favorite even on the road against Oklahoma, with the Crimson Tide having proven to be one of the nation’s top teams through about two-thirds of the season. The only two losses this year for Alabama have come at the hands of ranked UConn and Gonzaga squads.

The Crimson Tide are the lone unbeaten team remaining in conference play in the SEC.

Oklahoma, meanwhile, is attempting to right the ship after some recent stumbles. The Sooners have now lost three straight games, while losing six of their last eight games. If things are going to turn around in time for a postseason bid, the Sooners need to get to work on Saturday in a hurry.

A win against Alabama would go a long way toward bolstering a hopeful NCAA Tournament berth.