The Auburn-Alabama sports rivalry is heavy-handed toward the schools’ annual football game. On Saturday, however, the basketball teams will take center stage.

Alabama (21-3 SU, 14-10 AT) will face Auburn (22-2 SU, 14-9-1 ATS) in a matchup of two teams in the top three of the national championship odds at the best online sportsbooks. Alabama, which will host the game at 4 p.m. ET at Coleman Coliseum, is No. 2 in the AP rankings. Auburn is ranked No. 1.

It is the first time a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup has pitted two SEC teams. The Tigers and Crimson Tide are tied for first place in the conference standings with 10-1 records, so Saturday’s winner will be alone atop the standings and have a leg up in the race for the NCAA Tournament No. 1 overall seed.

Alabama is a 1.5-point favorite over Auburn. The over/under is 171.5 or 172.5 points. Here are our Auburn vs. Alabama predictions and best bets for college hoops on Saturday.

Auburn vs. Alabama predictions and best bets

Note: Odds are based on the best value our experts find as of publication; check lines closer to game time to ensure you get the best odds.

The key to beating Alabama is to prevent the Crimson Tide from playing their game.

That’s easier said than done.

Alabama wants to play fast. Auburn can play fast but doesn’t prefer that pace. So, can the Tigers slow down the Tide? With an all-time raucous crowd inside Alabama’s Coleman Coliseum, I don’t think Auburn can do it enough.

If the Tide can get into their game, they can take advantage of the biggest mismatch presented. Alabama is fourth in the nation with 26.5 free throws attempted per game. Auburn ranks 257th with 18 fouls committed per game.

Auburn does have an edge in turnover margin, ranking second in the conference behind Mississippi. The Rebels are the only SEC team to beat Alabama, which committed a season-high 21 turnovers in that 74-64 loss. It was a season-low scoring output for Alabama, which has scored at least 80 points in 21 of 24 games.

Although both teams are deep, Auburn might be short of full strength right now.

Coach Bruce Pearl said after Auburn’s loss to Florida on Feb. 8 that Chad Baker-Mazara is “really banged up.” Baker-Mazara is the team’s second-leading scorer with 12.2 points per game, but he scored six points against Florida and zero points in 28 minutes in the next game against Vanderbilt.

Facing Alabama is not ideal when you’re not at full strength. This is a better spot than usual for Alabama, especially since it is 4-1 in its last five home games against Auburn. The Tigers will probably have the edge in the rematch on March 8.

Both teams are among the best in the nation in 3-point shooting. They’re also among the best in 3-point shooting defense. I lean toward the defense in this game because of the all-time high profile. These players will be as motivated as ever to defend to the best of their ability.

That’s why I like the Under. With a point spread this low, you must consider overtime. If Alabama and Auburn play five extra minutes, the game certainly will go over the total. If you can fade OT, I like this sneaky play to the Under between two high-scoring teams.

Speaking of overtime, I like the prop available at DraftKings for its value. No matter which team you think will win, you cannot be surprised if it is close down the stretch. With odds of almost 10-to-1, how do you pass on that prop?

These teams went to overtime on March 1, 2023, when Alabama won 90-85 at home.

Alabama vs. Auburn moneyline odds analysis

Why Alabama could win as the favorite

Best odds: -118 at DraftKings Sportsbook

When the Tide start rolling, they are difficult to stop no matter the opponent. Auburn is the toughest team Alabama has faced this season, but Alabama will have its home crowd on its side.

The home crowd will make a difference in the tough moments that are sure to come. No matter how well Alabama plays, Auburn is so good that it will find momentum, too. Alabama will be able to dig out of those holes more easily, and that should put the Tide on top at the final buzzer.

Why Auburn could win as the underdog

Best odds: +110 at FanDuel Sportsbook

Most Bruce Pearl-coached teams play with an edge, and Saturday’s game is a great time for that tenacity to show. The Tigers will know they’re underdogs and the odds will be stacked against them on Alabama’s home court.

Auburn’s players will relish the opportunity to win at Alabama. If they get some momentum, expect Pearl to urge them to pour it to create as much separation as possible.

Auburn is one of the best teams in the nation for a reason. This game will not scare them. They will embrace the opportunity.