Kentucky opens as 20-point favorite vs. Wright State

The first betting odds of the Mark Pope era have been released, Kentucky opening as massive favorites in the home opener to begin the 2024-25 season. What’s the line on the Wildcats’ matchup vs. Wright State on Monday? It was set at 20 points and has grown ever-so-slightly since, now up to as many as 21.5 points, depending on the book.

The over/under has been set at 159 points while the moneyline heavily favors Kentucky, as expected — anywhere from -3200 to -8000 across multiple betting services.

Kentucky is a 20-point favorite in the season opener against Wright State. Total is 159. #DKPartner pic.twitter.com/tZgIDxHdF7

— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) November 1, 2024

ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives the Wildcats a 94.7 percent chance to defeat the Raiders in the opener. KenPom also projects an 86-69 win, giving the home team a 94 percent chance to pull off the victory, as well.

Elsewhere, ESPN’s BPI lists Kentucky at No. 16 overall in the preseason Power Index with a grade of 14.3, behind only Houston (No. 1), Duke (No. 2), North Carolina (No. 3), Kansas (No. 4), Baylor (No. 5), Arizona (No. 6), Alabama (No. 7), Tennessee (No. 8), Iowa State (No. 9), UConn (No. 10), Creighton (No. 11), Auburn (No. 12), Purdue (No. 13), Texas (No. 14) and Illinois (No. 15). The same service predicts the Wildcats to finish 20.4-10.6 on the season and 10-8 in the SEC — a solid record in the toughest conference in college basketball.

Kentucky will take on Wright State inside Rupp Arena on Monday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. ET, live on ESPNU.

Will you be betting on the Cats?