The bubble picture became clearer for the Auburn Tigers on Wednesday. Beat the Tennessee Volunteers this afternoon, and the Tigers should be in the NCAA Tournament.
My Auburn vs. Tennessee predictions and these college basketball picks trust the Tigers’ best player to keep this close on Thursday, March 12.
Auburn vs Tennessee prediction
Auburn vs Tennessee best bet
Auburn vs Tennessee best bet: Tahaad Pettiford Over 14.5 Points (-120)
Win, and you’re in, Auburn Tigers. It may be that simple.
Betting on that is a bit too bold, given the Tennessee Volunteers have a rest advantage and the better defense, but the stakes should embolden Auburn’s best player, point guard Tahaad Pettiford.
Pettiford is typically more of a facilitator than a scorer, yet he has cleared this prop in three of his last four games and seven of his last 10. As Tennessee slows down this game, Pettiford will have fewer assist opportunities in transition, which should force him to pull up more on his own.
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Auburn vs Tennessee same-game parlay
The instinct was to doubt Pettiford’s assist numbers, too, but this prop is too low for such doubt. He should play increased minutes today with the ball in his hand nearly every possession. That trust in him should keep the Tigers in a tight game.
Auburn vs Tennessee SGP
- Tahaad Pettiford Over 14.5 points
- Tahaad Pettiford Over 3.5 assists
- Auburn +5.5
Our beyond the arc SGP: Slown Down, Tigers
Auburn’s best path to the NCAA Tournament is its offense, but allowing Tennessee to slow down the pace — the slowest tempo in the SEC, per kenpom.com — could keep this game close enough that the optics alone sway the bubble debate.
Auburn vs Tennessee SGP
- Tahaad Pettiford Over 14.5 points
- Tahaad Pettiford Over 3.5 assists
- Auburn +5.5
- Under 146.5
Auburn vs Tennessee odds
- Spread: Auburn +5.5 | Tennessee -5.5
- Moneyline: Auburn +200 | Tennessee -245
- Over/Under: Over 146.5 | Under 146.5
Auburn vs Tennessee betting trend to know
Four of Tennessee’s last five games and seven of its last nine have gone Under their totals. Find more college basketball betting trends for Auburn vs. Tennessee.
How to watch Auburn vs Tennessee
| Location | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN |
| Date | Thursday, March 12, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | SEC Network |
Auburn vs Tennessee key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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