Arkansas vs. Tennessee Odds, Trends, Betting Picks: Can Razorbacks Score on Tough Vols Defense?

The Arkansas Razorbacks look to strengthen their NCAA Tournament resume, as they have a huge challenge tonight against the No. 12 -ranked Tennessee Volunteers. To make things even more exciting, we are here to give you the best Arkansas vs. Tenessee betting pick, so you can walk away from tonight’s SEC showdown with a little extra cash.

The Razorbacks are coming off a tough loss to Alabama, and although it has been a disappointing season overall for the Hogs, they still are one of the most feared teams in the SEC. Meanwhile, the Vols looked like they were on their way to being one of the top seeds in the March Madness tournament, but they have lost four of their last six.

Even though Tennessee is the higher-ranked of the two and has been better as a whole, this should be a great game, and if you are having trouble picking a winner for this game, we have got you covered with our best Arkansas vs. Tennessee betting pick.

Arkansas vs. Tennessee Betting Odds: Points Spread, Moneyline, Total

When you make your Arkansas vs. Tennessee betting pick, we advise you to be aware of the odds and lines from several sportsbooks. To help you make a pick for tonight’s action, we have included the odds and lines from some of our favorite mobile sportsbooks to ensure that you are getting the best number for whichever side you are taking tonight.

Arkansas vs. Tennessee Betting Trends

Arkansas

• Arkansas is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
• The total has gone OVER in five of Arkansas’ last six games
• Arkansas is 4-1 ATS in its last five games against Tennessee
• The total has gone OVER in five of Arkansas’ last five games when playing at Tennessee

Tennessee

• Tennessee is 2-6 ATS in its last eight games
• The total has gone OVER in eight of Tennessee’s last nine games against Arkansas
• Tennessee is 18-2 SU in its last 20 home games
• Tennessee is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games

Also read: Houston Favored, Kansas & Marquette Rise up Odds to Win 2023 NCAA Tournament

Arkansas Razorbacks (19-10, 15-13-1 ATS)

For as inconsistent as Arkansas has been all season, the Razorbacks are still one of the most feared teams in the country, ranking 48th in KenPom‘s Adjusted Offensive Efficiency and 10th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. While they are a streaky team, they are enjoying the return of star freshman Nick Smith Jr., who has put up 25 points per game since his return from injury.

Offensively, they’re going to need that spark that Smith Jr. has provided, not only because the Hogs are a poor three-point shooting team, but they are also going up against one of the top defenses in the country. As a team, Arkansas is shooting only 31.9% from deep, and they are under 70% from the free-throw line. However, they are a solid two-point shooting team, ranking 28th in two-point shooting percentage and 16th in overall shooting percentage.

They do have the horses on offense to be an explosive unit, but this team earns its wins on the defensive side of the court. The Hogs rank inside the top 20 in opponents’ effective field-goal percentage, allowing teams to shoot only 31.2% from deep, they are forcing 14.6 turnovers per game and allowing only 66.2 points per game.

Arkansas has a ton of athleticism, which helps them on both sides of the court, but their length and athleticism really show out on defense, as Arkansas has survived a grueling schedule on the back of its athleticism and size.

Tennessee Volunteers (21-8, (15-14 ATS)

Although Arkansas’ defense is one of the best in the country, THE best defense belongs to the Tennessee Volunteers. They are the top team, according to KenPom’s Adjusted Defensive Efficiency rating, and they are allowing the second-fewest points per game (56.7).

While the team has struggled recently, it has not been because of its defense. During Tennessee’s last six games, the Vols are only 2-4, but the defense allows only 65 points per game. This unit is also the top-ranked defense in opponents’ effective field-goal percentage, opponents’ three-point percentage, and opponents shooting percentage. Although Arkansas has a better than the numbers indicate offense, this will be their most formidable challenge yet, as Tennessee has only allowed teams to score 70+ points twice since mid-December.

The problems for this team lately come on offense, which might derail a legendary defense such as this one. The Vols actually have a good offense that gets everyone involved, as they are ranked eight in assists per game. However, they are putting up only 71.8 points per game, and they are averaging just 65 points per game this month.

Simply put, they have to be better at shooting the ball. The Vols are ranked 224th in effective field goal percentage and 264th in three-point shooting percentage, and there is not one good enough shooter on this team to bail them out if needed.

Arkansas vs. Tennessee Betting Pick

With two great defenses and two offenses that struggle to generate consistency on offense, this game screams staying Under. But we are seeing some real value in taking Arkansas tonight.

Not only do the trends support it, as Arkansas has covered in four of the last five against Tennessee, but Arkansas is due for some positive regression on offense with Smith Jr. back in the lineup, and his presence is already proving to be huge. Arkansas is young, but with a glaring hole in Tennessee’s game right now, Arkansas has the perfect opportunity to knock them off and pick up a massive win for its tournament resume.

Pick Arkansas +6.5 via FanDuel Sportsbook

How To Watch Arkansas vs. Tennessee

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

Tipoff: 9 p.m. ET

Location: Thompson-Boling Arena – Knoxville, TN

Where to Watch: ESPN2

Check updated numbers: March Madness odds