SIGN UP: Get the best player prop and game betting projections at BetAlytics. Use code "JUICE" for a special promo rate.
Sometimes you want to make a quick pit stop, empty the bladder, grab a bag of salty snacks and limber up the limbs before hitting the open road again. For the fast-minded who enjoy simple $2 scratchers hoping to uncover the jackpot-winning image, here are quick thoughts and the lean on Auburn vs. Alabama.
No. 1 Auburn (22-2, 10-1) at No. 2 Alabama (21-3, 10-1)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 4 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Michael Jordan — 23.
That’s the number of times a No. 1 AP ranked team has squared off against a No. 2 in college basketball history. Referencing the GOAT is only appropriate given the matchup’s enormity and overall potential greatness.
You can have the inconsequential gridiron version, Dixie. The real Iron Bowl rivalry is scheduled to occur Saturday at Coleman Coliseum. After all, Auburn and Alabama are both trending toward No. 1 NCAA Tournament seeds. Both are spectacular going from end to end. And both have strong odds of blazing a trail to San Antonio.
Here’s to believing Alabama alum Robert Horry and Auburn alum Charles Barkley have negotiated a side wager.
The pick — SGP: Alabama +3.5, Game OVER 164.5 (+107, Caesars)
For “Big Shot Rob” to come out ahead, the Crimson Tide need to stick to their “A” game. They’ve continuously earned high marks executing within Nate Oats’ spread system, a scheme predicated on speed, second chances and an endless barrage of 3-pointers. This season, 47.0% of ‘Bama’s shots have come along the perimeter where they’re hitting a respectable 34.4%.
Over the past month, Roll Tide has been the picture of efficiency. In its last eight games, Alabama is No. 6 in effective field-goal percentage offense and No. 41 in effective field-goal percentage defense and has scored an absurd 1.282 points per possession with 39.7% shooting beyond the arc. When Mark Sears, Grant Nelson and Aden Holloway are on, they're capable of drowning anyone in torrential downpours.
The Tide, however, aren’t without flaws. Most egregiously, they have played too loosey-goosey at times, racking costly turnovers. Against one of the best transition teams in the game, it’s imperative they prevent easily convertible sprint-outs. In games played since Jan. 14, they’ve coughed up the rock on an uncomfortable 20.0% of their possessions (No. 330 in the country). The cleaner they play, the wider the margin of victory will likely be.
Meanwhile, for Sir Charles to cash, his beloved War Eagle must create chaos and force mistakes.
[ Bracket Big Board: Brad Evans' latest NCAA Tournament projections ]
The Tigers are a phenomenal defensive team. Over their last eight games, they’ve allowed only 0.941 points per possession and rank No. 40 in effective field-goal percentage defense, as opponents have tallied just 49.5% on 2s and 28.3% on 3s. Johni Broome and company also are adept at disrupting offenses, forcing a turnover on over 19% of enemy possessions. Their well-documented thievery is crucial, given Alabama’s penchant for occasional sloppiness.
On the offensive end, Auburn features unquestionably the college game’s most vicious paint patroller.
Broome is pushing Cooper Flagg for the Wooden Award for myriad reasons. For starters, he’s a supreme rim protector and a major reason why the Tigers are No. 4 in near-proximity defense per Haslametrics. He’s also a sensational scorer and rebounder, having recorded 14 double-doubles. With Broome flanked by sharpshooters Tahaad Pettiford, Denver Jones and Miles Kelly, gunners who each net at least 40% from 3, Auburn can match Alabama basket for basket.
This instant classic is likely to boil down to 50/50 balls, turnovers and glass command. If the Tide limit the self-inflicted wounds, cash in on second chances and drain at least 35% from distance, victory will be achieved.
Honestly, it’s a coin flip. However, the Tigers’ recent subpar efforts offensively — they’re No. 184 in effective field-goal percentage over their last eight games — and the 15,000-plus full-throated Alabama fans favor Big Shot Rob.
In what should be a first-to-90-wins thriller, this #TeamRaisins member is all about going the aforementioned SGP route.
Roll friggin’ Tide.
Season record: 18-19, -1.78 units
WagerWire's Favorite Things from this Creator:
More: of Brad's Free Picks and Strategies
More Content: The Gaming Juice
We love The Gaming Juice, Check them out!