2021 SEC Tournament NCAAB Betting Preview

By Carlos Chacon • March 9, 2021

The 2021 SEC basketball tournament is all set to start this week, with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Tennessee Volunteers, Arkansas Razorbacks, and LSU Tigers all enjoying byes in the first two rounds of the competition. Will the winner of this year’s SEC Tournament be one of those teams? Or, will a sleeper/long shot win it all?

In this College Basketball betting preview, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the 2021 SEC Tournament, with the latest NCAA Basketball odds and expert picks. Be sure to check our online BTC sportsbook before game time!

When is the 2021 NCAA Basketball SEC Tournament?

OFFICIAL:

The 2021 #SECMBB Tournament Bracket is SET!

See y'all in Nashville ? pic.twitter.com/9j2Csj4IYd
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) March 7, 2021

The tournament is set to deliver day-to-day action, with the first round on Wednesday, March 10, followed by the second round on March 11. The quarterfinals begin on March 12. Once all four teams are locked in, they head on to the semifinals on March 13. The 2021 NCAA Basketball SEC tournament concludes on March 14 and crowns the winner who will receive an automatic bid to the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

Where Will the 2021 NCAA Basketball SEC Tournament Be Held?

The Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, will host all the games of the 2021 NCAA Basketball SEC tournament.

2021 NCAA Basketball SEC Tournament Favorites

Alabama Crimson Tide

2021 SEC Tournament Odds: +240

Of course, the favorites will always be the one who ends the regular season on top of the standings, and this season, Alabama showcased an impressive 16-2 conference record. The team takes pride in one of its best seasons of all time, which can potentially bring the Crimson Tide their first SEC tournament title since 1991 and a possible No 1. Seed in the NCAA tournament.

Arkansas Razorbacks

2021 SEC Tournament Odds: +300

Another favorite to win the 2021 SEC basketball tournament, the Arkansas Razorbacks, are holding onto an 8-game winning streak, including an 81-66 blowout victory against Alabama. As hopefuls, it’s great to see the team doing well coming into the tournament. With a well-rounded team, they are not to be underestimated by any team as they can adapt to different playing styles.

Tennessee Volunteers

2021 SEC Tournament Odds: +500

The Tennessee Volunteers started their regular season campaign on a high note. However, they have been on the decline after their 10-win run in 11 games, losing momentum after dropping four of their next nine 9 games. Nevertheless, they still have that robust defensive prowess to make them a dangerous opponent for anyone in the upcoming SEC tournament.

Kentucky Wildcats

2021 SEC Tournament Odds: +1500

The list of winners will tell you that the Kentucky Wildcats are the winningest team in the conference. They recorded 31 wins, with their most recent one secured in 2018. They’ve experienced major ups and downs in the regular season, including the temporary departure of freshman Cam’Ron Fletcher, who eventually found his way back to the team after just a few months. Regardless of their erratic regular season performance, the relatively slow start they had might just play a bigger role than expected now that they have to play a single-elimination format.

LSU Fighting Tigers

2021 SEC Tournament Odds: +700

The Tigers are looking good this season, holding onto the third seed in SEC standings. Recording only one SEC Tournament Championship in 1980, it’s their chance to add another title to their name with the help of a strong offensive team. The team will come into the 2021 SEC basketball tournament with one of the most efficient offenses in the league. The Tigers feature the likes of Cameron Thomas, Trendon Watford, and Javonte Smart, who have combined for 54.9 points per game in the regular season while shooting 40.0% from the field. With that in mind, they have to balance out their offensive advantage with proper defense if they want to go far into the tournament.

Players to watch in the 2021 NCAA Basketball SEC tournament

John Fulkerson, Forward (Tennessee)

The forward had a shot of bagging the league player of the year award when Tennessee secured huge wins in mid-January. He remains the team’s leading scorer with 11.0 points per game. If the Volunteers want to execute a solid run in the SEC tournament, Fulkerson has to be part of the rotation at all times and be heavily involved in plays.

The 6-foot-11 forward was originally part of Michigan’s lineup. However, circumstances changed and he now finds himself playing for the Florida Gators. As soon as he suited up for the Gators, he delivered 26 points in his first four games and now averages 15.9 in the following 10 games. He developed his game to become one of the top big men of the SEC and can even reach a higher status in the league should they make it far into the tournament.

2021 NCAA Basketball SEC tournament Expert Betting Predictions

Looking at the standings alone, Alabama is the top favorite to win the 2021 SEC basketball tournament. However, its loss against Arkansas makes the race even tighter, splitting them at an almost even rate. Both consistent and strong on both ends of the court, it’s difficult to lock in on a clear winner here. Furthermore, the competition that the SEC offers can add elements that amplify unpredictability even for the underdogs.

Feel free to browse sports betting guides. While you are at it, go ahead and check out all the latest NCAA Men’s Basketball betting odds and more in our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All stated odds are subject to change without prior notice.