KSR's Roundtable Predictions/Props for Kentucky at Arkansas

With one last game on Kentucky Basketball‘s regular season schedule, Kentucky Sports Radio has one last roundtable of predictions to go with it. So today, before the Wildcats play the Razorbacks behind enemy lines in Fayetteville, thoughts and picks from everyone we could find around KSR HQ as we get you ready for tip-off.

Below you will find the new prop sheet to help guide the predictions. Go Cats.

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Kentucky at Arkansas | KSProp Sheet

Score Prediction:
Kentucky’s MVP:
Will Sahvir Wheeler be on the bench:
Oscar Tshiebwe O/U 30.5 pts + rebs:
Daimion Collins O/U 6.5 min:
Jacob Toppin O/U 13.5 pts:
Ricky Council O/U 13.5 pts:
Antonio Reeves O/U 2.5 3-pointers:
What seed will UK be in the SEC Tournament:

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Drew Franklin

If Cason Wallace is able to go, I think Kentucky surprises everyone and gives Arkansas a game, maybe even wins it. If he doesn’t, I think the amount of points Arkansas can win by is limitless as the Wildcats will lack a point guard at one of the toughest venues on the schedule. Antonio Reeves, Adou Thiero, and CJ Fredrick (who is also questionable) aren’t experienced enough as floor generals to handle the Razorbacks’ pressure in that environment, I’m afraid. I’m also afraid Wallace will take today off to be ready for the SEC Tournament, so I’ll take Arkansas winning big due to Kentucky’s lack of healthy backcourt pieces. I hope I’m wrong and Wallace starts.

Score Prediction: Arkansas 79, Kentucky 61
Kentucky’s MVP: Oscar Tshiebwe
Will Sahvir Wheeler be on the bench: No
Oscar Tshiebwe O/U 30.5 pts + rebs: Over
Daimion Collins O/U 6.5 min: Over
Jacob Toppin O/U 13.5 pts: Over
Ricky Council O/U 13.5 pts: Over
Antonio Reeves O/U 2.5 3-pointers: Under
What seed will UK be in the SEC Tournament: 5

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Tyler Thompson

Winning at Arkansas on Senior Day was a tall task without all of the questions Kentucky is facing right now. Now that Cason Wallace may not play, Sahvir Wheeler is out, and CJ Fredrick is also questionable, it’s monumental. Further complicating matters is the fact that the Razorbacks have freshman phenom Nick Smith back. Smith missed the game in Lexington on Feb. 7, but has returned to the lineup and, along with Ricky Council IV, could pounce on a wounded Kentucky backcourt.

It feels like it’s going to be a long day in Fayetteville without Wallace. Hope I’m wrong, or at the very least, the Cats show some fight and a glimmer of stability at point from Antonio Reeves and Adou Thiero.

Score Prediction: Arkansas 82, Kentucky 71
Kentucky’s MVP: Jacob Toppin
Will Sahvir Wheeler be on the bench: No
Oscar Tshiebwe O/U 30.5 pts + rebs: Over
Daimion Collins O/U 6.5 min: Over
Jacob Toppin O/U 13.5 pts: Over
Ricky Council O/U 13.5 pts: Over
Antonio Reeves O/U 2.5 3-pointers: Under
What seed will UK be in the SEC Tournament: 4

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Jack Pilgrim

I really don’t like Kentucky’s chances without Cason Wallace, and considering how important he is for the team’s postseason chances, I almost prefer he doesn’t risk it. The Wildcats’ best chance will be to muck things up and win in a rock fight, something I’m certain Eric Musselman will look to avoid. He’ll attempt to keep the tempo up and pressure, making Kentucky’s inexperienced backcourt as uncomfortable as possible.

The Wildcats battle early, but the depth kills their chances late. Really curious to see how Nick Smith Jr. plays in this one — wanted to be at Kentucky, but wasn’t feeling the love during his recruitment. Could make for a 30-point explosion or a dud. Not sure UK has a player who can guard him with Wallace’s status up in the air.

Score Prediction: 76-66 Arkansas
Kentucky’s MVP: Jacob Toppin
Will Sahvir Wheeler be on the bench: No
Oscar Tshiebwe O/U 30.5 pts + rebs: Under
Daimion Collins O/U 6.5 min: Over
Jacob Toppin O/U 13.5 pts: Over
Ricky Council O/U 13.5 pts: Over
Antonio Reeves O/U 2.5 3-pointers: Over
What seed will UK be in the SEC Tournament: 4

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Zack Geoghegan

Score Prediction: Arkansas 83, Kentucky 69
Kentucky’s MVP: Oscar Tshiebwe
Will Sahvir Wheeler be on the bench: No
Oscar Tshiebwe O/U 30.5 pts + rebs: Over
Daimion Collins O/U 6.5 min: Under
Jacob Toppin O/U 13.5 pts: Over
Ricky Council O/U 13.5 pts: Over
Antonio Reeves O/U 2.5 3-pointers: Over
What seed will UK be in the SEC Tournament: 5

I have a feeling this game is going to come down to one thing: Cason Wallace’s status. With him likely not playing, I struggle to give Kentucky a chance. Arkansas has far too many elite guards in the backcourt, which was made even more dangerous by the emergence of future NBA lottery pick Nick Smith Jr. after he returned from injury. We saw the Razorbacks’ guards — sans Smith Jr. — carve up UK at home in the first outing with Wallace in the game. This is going to be a tough environment and I would prefer Kentucky go into the tournament healthy as opposed to forcing Wallace to play hurt.