Villanova Wildcats vs. Butler Bulldogs: Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 1/13/2023

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Venue: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

Where to watch: FS1

DraftKings: Butler -1; Butler -120, Villanova +100; O/U 134

FanDuel: Butler -0.5; Butler -114, Villanova -105; O/U 133.5

BetMGM: Butler -1.5; Even; O/U 134.5

Caesars: Butler -1; Butler -120, Villanova +100; O/U 134

Villanova: 8-9 (2-4 Big East)

Butler: 10-8 (2-5 Big East)

Villanova: lost 75-65 at DePaul

Butler: lost 77-61 at St. John’s

I'm not quite sure if the Villanova Wildcats were expected to be this bad this year, but it doesn't seem like they are a lock to win on any given night anymore. And now that they'll be taking on the Butler Bulldogs on Friday at Hinkle Fieldhouse, I can't necessarily say that that's going to be an easy game either.

Both teams have been abysmal over the last number of games so it's not like anyone has a distinct advantage going into this game period you look at Villanova who has lost four of its last five after winning five in a row, and it has not been pretty. Though they have covered in two of the last five, it hasn't been great. Villanova has lost to Connecticut, lost to Marquette, lost to Xavier and lost to DePaul. over their last five games they have been favored in four of them and they have failed to cover in three of those as favorites.

So you can see where the frustration out of illinova would take place in this situation. Eric Dixon led the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds, and Cam Whitmore had 16 points of his own but Villanova as a team shot 41% in the loss to DePaul. Villanova has never been known to struggle this badly, but when you shoot 7 of 25 from 3 point range and you only get to the free throw line 15 times, whereas your opponent goes to the free throw line 20 times, it's not going to be a fun time for anyone involved.

It hasn't been a good time for Butler either. The Bulldogs have lost five of their last seven with the only wins against DePaul and Georgetown while suffering not just losses in the other five but double digit losses in all the same. They lost to Connecticut by 22, Creighton by 22, Providence by 20, Seton hall by 25, and St. John's by 16 Where in any of that do you find any confidence in Butler turning this around?

Even in the last two St. John's, Butler just struggled. Only three players scored in double figures led by 17 points from Chuck Harris, and Butler shot 41% from the floor and just seven of 20 from 3 point range. The red storm meanwhile couldn't miss at all. They shot 53% and only took 18 attempts from 3 point range.

I can tell you right now that while Butler may be struggling on offense, clearly defense is not the strong suit of the Bulldogs. And a lot can change in a matter of maybe a few games but right now I don't trust either of these teams to do anything as we get closer to March which is weird when you're talking about both of these programs.

Normally I would just take the team with the better pedigree and assume that they we're going to go on the road and win this game but the way that Villanova has played as a blade, I don't trust them as far as I can throw them. Usually when you have a situation like this I tend to lean toward the home team and see what happens. Butler 75, Villanova 67

Villanova is 70-45 ATS after 2 straight games with 12 assists or less since 1997.

Villanova is 108-77 ATS when playing a third game in a week since 1997.

Villanova is 19-9 ATS after 3 straight games as a favorite the last 2 seasons.

Butler is 49-31 ATS at home after failing to cover in 2 straight games since 1997.

Butler is 17-5 ATS after 2 straight losses the last 3 seasons.

PG: Chris Arcidiacono

SG: Caleb Daniels

SF: Cam Whitmore

PF: Brandon Slater

C: Eric Dixon

PG: Chuck Harris

SG: Eric Hunter Jr.

SF: Simas Lukosius

PF: Manny Bates

C: Ali Ali