Kentucky vs. Louisville is one of the great college basketball rivalries. That's not hyperbole, that's truth.
During the John Calipari era, however, that rivalry has been a bit lopsided. Kentucky has won four straight meetings by an average of 5.5 points. It's always close. It's always chippy. It's what makes this matchup so much fun.
Below is how you can watch the game on TV and via live stream. As always, we will point out some key matchups and make our pick for the game.
Viewing information
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 21
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: KFC Yum! Center; Louisville, Kentucky
TV: ESPN
Live streaming (computer): WatchESPN.com
Live Streaming (mobile): ESPN app
Scouting report
As my colleague Matt Norlander pointed out in advance of the game, Louisville has the best defense in America. Rick Pitino's squad is allowing just 59.4 points per game and 87.2 points per 100 possessions, according to KenPom.com.
That will be the biggest thing to watch in this one, especially given Kentucky's ability to score. The Wildcats are the nation's fifth most efficient team on offense, scoring 119.9 points per 100 possessions. Something will have to give -- can the Cardinal slow down De'Aaron Fox and the Wildcats and control the tempo? Fox's ability to handle the full-court pressure could go a long way in deciding that question.
Matchup to watch
Kentucky's Malik Monk put on a full aerial assault against North Carolina over the weekend, dropping a 47-point showing to down the Tar Heels, including the winner.
Given the stinginess of the Cardinals defense, it's unlikely we will see a similar showing from the fabulous freshman. Rick Pitino will not allow him to find his rhythm, so I expect they will find ways to get him rattled and disrupt the flow early. This could be a bit of a behind-the-scenes chess match between Pitino and Calipari -- especially because Calipari's insistence to get Monk touches on each possession.
Odds and pick
KenPom: Louisville -1
KenPom projection: Kentucky 78 | Louisville 79
Sportsline: Pick 'em
Pick: Kentucky +1
Man, I love Kentucky in this one. The De'Aaron Fox powered offense is firing on all cylinders -- scoring the third most points per game in the country. Kentucky is scoring almost 20 points per game more than Louisville. I'm just not sure the Cardinals can win it should it turn into a shootout.