Georgia basketball is back in action on Saturday, Jan. 18 as they welcome the No. 1 Auburn Tigers to Athens. The Bulldogs are coming off their second SEC loss of the season earlier this week as they lost to No. 6 Tennessee on the road 74-56. However, Mike White and the Bulldogs beat two ranked teams at home last week, so they are more than capable of winning this game and definitely have the confidence in themseleves to do so.
Vegas however does not love their chances as seen in the odds listed below, but can Georgia prove the sportsbooks wrong once again?
Georgia vs. Auburn Final Odds
As of 8:30 am EST on Saturday, Jan. 18, Auburn is a 6.5 point favorite over Georgia, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The over-under for the game is set at 146.5 points as well. ESPN's Matchup Predictor also favors the Tigers as well, giving them a 78.6 percent chance to win this game.
Georgia vs. Auburn Prediction
This game almost feels like a must win for Georgia. Sure a loss to the No. 1 team in the country will not hurt their NCAA Tournament resume, but a win would essentially guarantee their spot in the tournament as long as they don't severly stumble to the finish line. But that is obviously easier said then done.
Auburn not only is the No. 1 team in the AP Poll, but they are the top team in many of the analytics as well. A lot of people have their doubts about the AP Poll and its voters, but these analytics are well-respected throughout the entire country.
All that being said, this is a game that Georgia can win. Last week Georgia beat two ranked teams at home, so this game being at home is clearly a big deal of the Bulldogs. The Steg will be rocking and Georgia will be ready for arguably the biggest regular season game in program history. And Georgia will not disappoint as they will find a way to upset the No. 1 team in the country.
Prediction: Georgia wins 77-73