Elite Units Clash in Top 25 Matchup
It’s strength against strength in a Top 25 SEC matchup between the No. 20 Missouri Tigers (12-1, 1-0 SEC) and the No. 13 Arkansas Razorbacks (11-2, 0-1). Missouri’s high-flying offense is red-hot, but the rigid Razorbacks’ defense will be a tough test.
The Tigers are on a three-game winning streak, including two Top 25 wins, while going 3-0 against the spread (ATS). Arkansas opened conference play with a 60-57 loss against LSU and is 2-1 ATS in the last three games.
Let’s check the latest college basketball odds, stats, injury reports and college basketball lines for Missouri vs Arkansas. We’ve plenty of NCAA basketball odds for you to consider.
Missouri Features Top Offense in SEC
After a 10-1 start, Missouri seemed to be the product of a weak schedule. However, the Tigers began to make real noise after the 93-71 thrashing of No. 16 Illinois, which is now unranked. Missouri then opened conference play with a dominant 89-75 showing against No. 19 Kentucky. While both opponents have fallen out of the AP Poll, the Tigers were elevated to No. 20 in this week’s Top 25.
At this point, there’s no denying Missouri has an elite offense. It ranks fourth in Kenpom’s offensive efficiency, first with 88.8 points per game and second in effective field goal percentage. In the last two games, the Tigers shot 54.3% from the floor and 20 of 45 from three. Forward Kobe Brown (15.6 points) has been a man on a mission with 31 points against Illinois followed by 30 points against Kentucky.
The Tigers have emerged as dark-horse candidates to win the SEC. A visit to Arkansas’ Bill Walton Arena could show us what this team is truly made of. Missouri is 1-0 outright and ATS in away games.
Injuries Plaguing Razorbacks
Heading into the season, Arkansas seemed to have the most talented roster in the SEC, including three five-star freshmen. At 11-2, the Razorbacks are off to a decent start but injuries are becoming a problem.
Forward Trevon Brazile (11.8 points) was having an excellent season but, unfortunately, a torn ACL cut his season short. Brazile added terrific defensive versatility and was emerging as a scorer with 20 or more points in two of his last three games. In addition, guard Nick Smith Jr., who was the No. 1 recruit in the 2022 class, has yet to get healthy. He has dealt with a nagging knee injury and is expected to miss Wednesday’s game.
The Razorbacks’ high ceiling is still there, as they hold +2500 odds to win the national championship and +650 odds to make the Final Four. Guard Ricky Council IV (17.9 points) has provided consistent scoring while freshman point guard Anthony Black (12.2 points) operates the offense.
The defense has continued to produce wins. Arkansas is fifth in defensive efficiency and in the 82nd percentile of opponent shooting percentage.
Missouri vs Arkansas Game Injuries
Missouri vs Arkansas Head-to-Head
Over the last two seasons, Arkansas is 4-1 outright and ATS against Missouri. The Razorbacks have won four consecutive games and are 7-1 in their last eight home games against the Tigers.
Missouri vs Arkansas Game Information
- Game: Missouri (12-1, 1-0 SEC) vs Arkansas (11-2, 0-1)
- Location: Bud Walton Arena, Fayetteville, AR
- Day/Time: Wednesday, Jan. 4, 8:30 ET
- Missouri vs ArkansasLive stream: TBS.com
Missouri vs Arkansas Betting Lines
Missouri vs Arkansas Picks & Prediction
Arkansas is a substantial favorite at -320 on the moneyline. Bud Walton Arena is one of the best home advantages in college basketball. The Razorbacks are 7-0 in home games but are 3-3-1 ATS.
Missouri is playing its best basketball while covering three straight. Arkansas is susceptible in the frontcourt, ranking 92nd in opponent 2-point shooting percentage. The Tigers rank second in 2-point percentage and Brown has back-to-back games with 30 points. Missouri will cover on the road.
Arkansas is listed at -320 in our Vegas NCAAB lines. This means that if you wager $100 on Arkansas, you have a chance to win $31. Missouri is +263, offering a chance to win $263 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Arkansas a 76.19% chance to win, with Missouri at 27.55%.
Missouri vs Arkansas Trends
Missouri vs Arkansas Edge
Missouri vs Arkansas Results
Missouri vs Arkansas Game Summary
