College Basketball Odds, Picks, Predictions Saturday: Will Auburn 'Upset' Alabama?

Written By Eli Hershkovich | Last Updated at August 28, 2025

On Saturday's college basketball odds board, the marquee matchup tips off at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN, as the No. 1 Auburn Tigers head to Tuscaloosa to face off against the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide. Both teams are near the top of my college basketball power rankings, with the Tide opening as 1.5-point favorites. Let's evaluate the odds for Auburn at Alabama, including options for your same-game parlay.

Click any odds to place a wager. We highly recommend checking out the best sportsbook promos at the best sports betting sites.

best college basketball promos & Bonus codes

Rank

Sportsbook

Bonus

Features

Play

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

BetMGM Review

Play Now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Bet $5 & Get $200 in bonus bets

Bet365 Review

Play Now

Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.

Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost

Caesars Review

Play Now

21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win

Hard Rock Bet Review

Play Now

The promotion is available for all new players on Hard Rock Bet. An initial deposit is required, and the players first cash bet must be at least $5 to qualify. Additionally, the qualifying wager must win to receive the $150 in Bonus Bets. To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in a Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, IL, IN, NJ, OH, TN, or VA, and not on any exclusionary lists in any Eligible Jurisdiction. Excluded patrons are prohibited from participating in Promotions. To be eligible all personal and contact data associated to your account must be verifiable. | T&C apply | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!

FanDuel Review

Play Now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG Help . Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit Helpline and Chat - CONNECTICUT COUNCIL (CT). Hope is here. Home or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit Home (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. See terms at FanDuel Sportsbook

New Customers: Bet $5+ Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins + 3 Months of League Pass On Us!

DraftKings Review

Play Now

T&Cs apply, 21+

Bet $50, Get $250 in FanCash

Fanatics Review

Play Now

New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TV, VA, VT, WV, WY. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $50 in FanCash each day for your first 5 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 5 days begin the day you establish your account. See full Promo Terms and FanCash terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app.

auburn at alabama odds: spread, moneyline, total

Explaining The Point Spread

Some college basketball bettors may wonder why Auburn isn't favored. While it's a fair inquiry on the surface, remember that the AP Top 25 poll doesn't dictate the market — ever. National media pundits may not give this game the headline of an upset if Bruce Pearl's team comes out on top, but it would be according to the market.

The most pristine home-court advantage is worth around three points to the line. Take that out, and sportsbooks would likely have the Tigers (22-2, 10-1) lined near a 1.5-point favorite on a neutral court against the Tide (21-3, 10-3).

Thus, oddsmakers have Auburn power-rated everso slightly more than Alabama, making this theoretical point spread above a pick'em.

Regular readers of TheLines' college hoops coverage may remember my April futures bet on the Tigers at 35-1.

Related: Eli's College Basketball Power Rankings

Situational Spot Favors Alabama

This tilt is a motivational spot in the Tide's direction for certain handicappers. If you’re unfamiliar with situational spots, they aim to uncover conditions where teams have surpassed or fallen short of their standard efficiency — relative to the moneyline or spread.

With Alabama in its home gym, Coleman Coliseum, there's a clear incentive to make a statement while evening up the top of the league standings.

According to CBB Analytics, Auburn grades in the 90th percentile or better in offensive and defensive field goal percentage at the rim. But how much will that matter against the Tide's perimeter-oriented attack?

Mark Sears and Co. rank 30th nationally in 3-point attempt rate, attempting to win the shot volume battle every night. Nate Oats' dribble-drive offense should tally its fair share of long-range clean looks versus the Tigers' drop coverage, primarily if it controls the boards and dictates the pace in transition.

Auburn has quietly allowed double-digit offensive rebounds in eight of their last nine games. Led by Rutgers transfer Clifford Omoruyi, Alabama is more than capable of taking advantage.

Historic Total?

Although operators anticipate plenty of points between these powerhouse teams, this market is lower than bettors witnessed on Jan. 18. Ahead of Alabama at Kentucky tipping off, the over/under opened 178.5, the highest total for either one in 25-plus years. Unsurprisingly, it went over.