No. 3 Kentucky (23-9) goes up against No. 14 Oakland (23-11) in the first round of March Madness. The Wildcats are fresh off a loss to Texas A&M in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, while Oakland just won the Horizon League to secure their first NCAA tourney spot since 2011.
Kentucky vs Oakland looks like a potential lopsided game, with the Wildcats coming in as heavy favorites.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the Kentucky vs Oakland game in the first round of March Madness, including predictions and odds along with the best sportsbook promos to use on this game.
No. 3 Kentucky-No. 14 Oakland Odds & Details
- Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
- Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
- Location: PPG Paints Arena; Pittsburgh, PA
- Spread: Kentucky -13.5 (-108, DraftKings), Oakland +13.5 (-105, BetMGM)
- Moneyline: Kentucky (-1000, Caesars), Oakland (+750, BetMGM)
- Total: Over/Under 162.5 (-115/-105, BetMGM)
Kentucky-Oakland Betting Preview
To get a better understanding of the Kentucky vs Oakland matchup, let’s take a look at the two teams using Ken Pomeroy’s ranks:
- Kentucky (19th overall): 5th in adjusted offensive efficiency / 108th in adjusted defensive efficiency
- Oakland (137th overall): 135th in adjusted offensive efficiency / 165th in adjusted defensive efficiency
It’s clear that the Wildcats have a significant edge on paper, mostly due to their fifth-ranked offense, which allows them to pour on points.
Kentucky ranks first in three-point shooting percentage and tied for 10th in assists, so their elite long-range shooting and strong ball movement could be a problem for the Golden Grizzlies.
The problem for the Wildcats is that their defense could be an issue throughout the tournament, ranking 108th per KenPom.
We just saw Texas A&M put up 97 points against them in a game where the Aggies had 36 points in the paint and 26 second chance points.
Kentucky could have their hands full with Golden Grizzlies junior forward Trey Townsend, who led the team with 16.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
While I like Kentucky to win this game, I’m rolling with Oakland to cover the spread in this NCAA Tournament matchup, especially with the Wildcats’ struggles on defense.
PREDICTION: Kentucky wins 87-77 (-1000)
BET: Oakland +13.5 (-105)
BET: Over 162.5 (-115)
FanDuel Kentucky vs Oakland Sign-Up Bonus
Join in on the fun with FanDuel Sportsbook North Carolina promo code , which includes $250 in guaranteed bonuses for new users.
Read on to learn about the terms and conditions along with how to claim this offer:
- 🏫 Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook North Carolina using promo code.
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- 💸 Place your first bet ($5 minimum) on Kentucky vs Oakland or any other market.
- 🎉 Win or lose, you’ll get $250 in bonuses shortly after your wager is settled.
- 5️⃣ The $250 in bonus bets will be provided as five (5) $50 bet credits.
- 💯 You are unable to break down the five (5) $50 bet tokens into smaller wagers.
- ⏰ The bonus bets will expire seven (7) days after being issued.
If you’re not located in North Carolina, you’ll get up to $200 in bonuses.
Best Available March Madness Sportsbook Promotions
- 🎁 BetMGM: Bet $5, Get $150
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- 🎁 DraftKings: $250 Bonus Bets: Claim Now
- 🎁 Caesars: Bet $10, Get $250
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- 🎁 FanDuel: $250 in Bonus Bets
- 🎁 ESPN BET: Get $200 In Bonus Bets
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Best North Carolina Betting Promos
bet365 NC | $200 or $1K |
BetMGM NC | $150 Bonus Bets |
FanDuel NC | $250 in Bonus Bets |
Caesars NC | $250 in Bonus Bets |
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Fanatics NC | Not Recommended |
ESPN BET NC | Not recommended |
Our Expert Take On Kentucky-Oakland Promotions
You’re going to either find a Bet & Get or First Bet Bonus as the welcome bonuses for new users. The strategy on how to approach each Kentucky vs Oakland offer is totally different, so let’s dive in.
For Bet & Get bonuses, you can shoot for the moon for a higher payout with your $5-$10 first bet. You’re going to get the bonus even if you lose, so find your favorite longshot bet for a chance at a greater return on investment. Once you receive the bonus, you can start taking a more conservative approach with straight bets.
For First Bet bonuses, you want to find a bet with reasonable odds (-110, -120, etc.) since those have higher implied probabilities (50+%). The goal is to win your first wager instead of having to chase your losses with the refund.
If you follow these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to making the most out of your bonus.
