Let’s just cut to the chase here and try to make things work.

WEDNESDAY’S SCHEDULE

Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Kentucky Wildcats

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
Watch Online: WatchESPN
Spread: Kentucky -20.5
Total: 141.5
Moneyline: Kentucky -3500 | Vanderbilt +1500

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. LSU Tigers

Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Watch Online: WatchESPN
Spread: LSU -5
Total: 165.5
Moneyline: LSU -220 | Alabama +175

South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
Watch Online: WatchESPN
Spread: Arkansas -6.5
Total: 141
Moneyline: Arkansas -300 | South Carolina +235

Things have really begun to take shape in the SEC as the month of February approaches. In action tonight are the first-place LSU Tigers and the second-place Kentucky Wildcats. THey are not playing against each other, but they are competing in pretty pivotal matchups that could help swing things at the top of the conference standings.

LSU has the far more imposing game as they face the Alabama Crimson Tide. Bama’s slow start has been rectified, as they are now 12-7 on the year and 4-2 in conference play. Nate Oats has done an outstanding job righting the ship for this team and getting them going again. While they are still one of the more turnover-prone teams in the nation, their shooting has gone up exponentially and they’re just playing really solid basketball. They have won four in a row heading into this game and five of their last six, and eight of their last 10.

LSU meanwhile has won eight games in a row. But lately, they have been getting by the skin of their teeth. They have won every single one of their last six games by four points or less. Four of those wins have come by two points or less. Even though this game is at the PMAC, you have to wonder if their luck is going to run out soon enough. On another note, they are just 1-4-1 ATS in their last six games, the one win coming this past weekend against the Texas Longhorns. Alabama, meanwhile, had won 12 games in a row ATS prior to Saturday when they failed to cover a nine-point spread against the Kansas State Wildcats. Bet wisely.

Kentucky, meanwhile, will face off with Vanderbilt. The Wildcats have brushed past their bad trip to Vegas in December and have won seven of the last eight games since. The lone loss to South Carolina hasn’t fazed them, as they have ripped three straight wins off against Arkansas, the Georgia Bulldogs and Texas Tech Red Raiders. Vandy is still in their woes right now, as they have lost seven in a row and haven’t picked up a win yet in 2020. I don’t expect this to change, as this game is at Rupp and UK has seemingly gotten it going again. Now, whether the Cats cover the ginormous 20.5 point spread is up for grabs. The Wildcats are 5-7 at home ATS and are 3-4 ATS in games with spreads of 20 or more (per VegasInsider). Vandy is 1-3 ATS this year as a double-digit dog, so this one could be tough to call.

Finally, Mason Jones and Arkansas will take on South Carolina. Arkansas ended a two-game losing streak with a win over the TCU Horned Frogs over the weekend. After a blistering start, the Razorbacks are just 3-3 in conference play and sit at 15-4. South Carolina will represent an opportunity for Eric Musselman’s group to recollect. The Gamecocks have the same conference record, and have won three of their last four games. But two of those wins came at the expense of two of the worst teams in the conference in the Texas A&M Aggies and Vanderbilt.

SC will have to try and maneuver through the Razorbacks’ stingy defense. The Hogs have the best perimeter defense in the nation and rank highly in eFG% allowed, AdjDE and are one of the best teams at creating turnovers in the nation. This game might be a bit ugly as neither team can particularly shoot from 3 well, but I do think Arkansas takes this.

Arkansas is 4-3 ATS since conference play started. Four of those wins have come in the last six games and they’re 3-2 so far as a favorite. The Gamecocks, meanwhile, are 4-2 ATS since conference play began, and have won four of the last five, with three of those wins ATS coming as an underdog.