Happy Saturday, basketball fans. January 3 marks the first Saturday of the new year, and the college basketball slate delivers in a big way.
Best Bets for Saturday, January 3, 2026
Conference play is underway across the country, and every game on today’s card carries real weight. Each of the five matchups below features high-level competition, strong betting angles, and teams with plenty on the line.
We went 2-3 yesterday. We are now 141-124-4 on the season.
Be sure to follow all of our picks throughout the season on BetStamp. Let’s get to it.
Kentucky Wildcats at Alabama Crimson Tide
We get a marquee SEC opener from Tuscaloosa as Kentucky Wildcats visit the Alabama Crimson Tide. Kentucky has shown noticeable improvement in recent weeks under head coach Mark Pope, but this is a difficult place to open conference play.
Alabama, led by Nate Oats, is consistently tough at home and thrives in these early-season conference spotlight games. Expect a competitive contest, but the Crimson Tide should control the game late and cover the number.
Betting Pick: Alabama Crimson Tide -5.5 over Kentucky Wildcats
Final Score Prediction: Alabama 88, Kentucky 80
Kansas Jayhawks at Central Florida Knights
The Big 12 opener sends the Kansas Jayhawks on the road to face the Central Florida Knights in Orlando. UCF has lost just once all season and has been strong at home, making this a legitimate early conference test for Kansas.
Kansas’ top freshman remains questionable, but the Jayhawks have proven they can adjust and get contributions from multiple players. UCF has not faced this level of talent yet, and that difference shows over 40 minutes. Kansas grinds out a tough road win.
Betting Pick: Kansas Jayhawks -5.5 over Central Florida Knights
Final Score Prediction: Kansas 77, Central Florida 70
Tennessee Volunteers at Arkansas Razorbacks
Another high-profile SEC matchup features the Tennessee Volunteers visiting the Arkansas Razorbacks. Tennessee has steadied itself after a rough stretch and is shooting the ball with confidence again under Rick Barnes.
Arkansas is comfortable at home under John Calipari, but Tennessee’s recent form and perimeter shooting give them an edge. This one should come down to the final possession, with the Vols sneaking out a narrow road win.
Betting Pick: Tennessee Volunteers +1.5 over Arkansas Razorbacks
Final Score Prediction: Tennessee 75, Arkansas 74
Purdue Boilermakers at Wisconsin Badgers
A classic Big Ten battle takes place in Madison as the Purdue Boilermakers take on the Wisconsin Badgers. Purdue’s guard play gives them a clear edge, but Wisconsin is always a different team at home.
Head coach Greg Gard will have his group ready for a ranked opponent. Purdue should win the game, but Wisconsin keeps it close enough to reward bettors backing the home underdog.
Betting Pick: Wisconsin Badgers +8.5 over Purdue Boilermakers
Final Score Prediction: Purdue 80, Wisconsin 74
Florida Gators at Missouri Tigers
The night wraps up in Columbia as the Florida Gators head to face the Missouri Tigers. Florida, led by head coach Todd Golden, is looking to reassert itself after last season’s national title run.
Missouri is still searching for consistency and was dominated by Illinois before Christmas. Whether that performance was a warning sign or a one-off, this matchup favors Florida. The Gators’ depth and defensive pressure should overwhelm Missouri on the road.
Betting Pick: Florida Gators -7.5 over Missouri Tigers
Final Score Prediction: Florida 88, Missouri 70
Good luck with all your bets on Saturday. Whether you choose to follow or fade, make sure to check out all of our plays throughout the season on BetStamp.