Artificial intelligence can use thousands of data points to predict outcomes. It looks at correlation coefficients and trend lines to determine where teams are heading. It values home-court advantage and the sustainability of an offense. It gives you more information than a human could ever imagine.
The question isn’t if NCAAB picks are easier with AI. It’s if you’re going to listen to the data. There are no guarantees in athletics, but using analytics adds value to picks.
These are three computer picks for this Wednesday’s slate of games. According to OddsTrader’s algorithm, these picks have value. I agree and think these are the top bets for you to make on a packed Wednesday slate of games.
Picks Summary
- Alabama vs. Tennessee: Under 144.5 (-106) at FanDuel
- Kentucky vs. Mississippi State: Kentucky +2.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Arkansas vs. Texas A&M: Texas A&M -3 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 – 07:00 PM EST at Thompson-Boling Arena
Alabama and Tennessee are easily the two best teams in the SEC, but the Volunteers are currently on a tough two-game skid. They’ve lost two straight games on buzzer-beating shots, and they now have to play the best team in the country.
If this game were in Tuscaloosa, the Tide would be heavy favorites. Because of that, I’m nervous about the spread. I feel much better about the totals line. Tennessee’s offense has been inconsistent in the last few games. They have scored anywhere from the 40s to the 80s. With that level of inconsistency at home, I don’t see them popping off against the stout Tide defense.
Still, this crowd will be hard for Alabama to handle. If they were to hit the over, it would be due to a late-game run. Auburn held its own on Saturday, and Alabama’s offense struggled when perimeter shots didn’t fall. They turned things around, but it took some time.
The Pick
Tennessee has a better defense, and Alabama is playing great on the defensive side. Expect this to be a low-scoring bout between two exceptional teams.
NCAAB Pick: Under 144.5 (-106) at FanDuel
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 – 08:30 PM EST at Humphrey Coliseum
According to simulations, this should be a pick ‘em. Kentucky is probably the better team on paper, but the Bulldogs play much better at home, and they have been on a tear through the SEC.
Given the stakes, I expect Kentucky to be ready for the moment. After all, they are hovering near the bubble with only a few weeks of games left. This team needs big wins to ensure a trip to the NCAA Tournament, and they can’t afford losses right now.
This is a true bubble game for both teams. While the Bulldogs are hot, I don’t think they have the size or strength to stop Oscar Tshiebwe. He is 15 pounds heavier than the person defending him, and that is a lot of mass to stop.
The Pick
Give me the Wildcats to cover in a massive game for both teams. They are trending in different ways, but I see Mississippi State’s hot streak ending against the Wildcats.
NCAAB Pick: Kentucky +2.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 – 09:00 PM EST at Reed Arena
Texas A&M and Arkansas are very close in the eyes of bracketologists. In fact, they’re close enough that a game like this could be the deciding factor once the NCAA Tournament rolls around. They should both make the field, but a skid late in the year could be enough to knock one team out.
The Aggies have won three straight games, and they are playing at home. The only concern is that Arkansas beat them when the Razorbacks hosted a few weeks ago. However, Texas A&M’s offense has been significantly better since that game, and I see this as a chance for the Aggies to strengthen its grip on a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Arkansas has been a massive disappointment all year. This team was supposed to contend in the SEC, and they are a few bad losses away from making it out of the NCAA Tournament.
The Pick
Regardless, the AI predicts a four-point victory. The gap in the spread isn’t massive, but I’m still confident that the Aggies will cover the NCAAB odds since they are playing at home and have seen more recent success.
NCAAB Pick: Texas A&M -3 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
