Louisville Cardinals vs Tennessee Volunteers Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 12/16/25

No. 20 Tennessee has had time to reflect on its recent struggles as it prepares to host No. 11 Louisville, looking to snap a three-game losing streak. The Volunteers last played on December 6, falling to Illinois 75-62, while shooting just 36.9% from the floor. The game before that, the Volunteers lost to Syracuse, shooting just 41.4%. Louisville enters this matchup riding a two-game winning streak and will look to make it three straight as they head to Knoxville for a Tuesday night showdown. 

Louisville is 2-1 against top-25 teams this season, while Tennessee is 1-1 against ranked opponents. The Cardinals are a dangerous team, playing at a fast pace with one of the most explosive offenses in college basketball, averaging 94.3 points per game. Defensively, Louisville has also been solid, holding opponents to 68.1 points per game. Tennessee, on the other hand, likes to play at a much slower pace. The Volunteers are averaging 80.9 points per game and rely on a strong, physical defense that could frustrate Louisville at times in this matchup. However, the edge goes to the Cardinals’ backcourt. Louisville’s experience and talent guards –  Mikel Brown Jr., Ryan Conwell, and Isaac McKneely give them a major advantage in tempo and shot-making. The Volunteers don’t have as much depth on their roster, and for that reason, I’m leaning towards Louisville to pick up the victory as a favorite on Tuesday night. 

Louisville vs Tennessee prediction: Louisville -1 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.