Kansas vs. Kentucky Prediction: College Basketball Picks & Odds (Nov. 10)
My best Kansas vs. Kentucky prediction highlights how No. 24 Kentucky's rebounding struggles will ultimately decide the game. Below, I explain why I expect a huge game from Trey Kaufman-Renn for No. 15 Kansas, while Malachi Moreno scores a new season low for Kentucky.
Kansas is favored by 4.5 points ahead of tonight's 9:30 p.m. ET game at United Center in Chicago. The State Farm Champions Classic will air on ESPN and stream on ESPN Unlimited.
Kansas vs. Kentucky picks & odds
See all of our experts' college basketball picks based on the latest college basketball odds.
| Pick | Odds | Bet size (units) |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas -4.5 | -113 via bet365 | 1.5 units to profit 1.33 units |
| Trey Kaufman-Renn Over 6.5 rebounds | +102 via bet365 | 2 units to profit 2.04 units |
| Malachi Moreno Under 7.5 points | -125 via bet365 | 1.5 units to profit 1.2 units |
Picks submitted: Nov. 10 at 10:45 a.m. ET. Odds subject to change.
Total wagered: 5 units | Profit if all picks win: 4.39 units
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Kansas vs. Kentucky best bet
Kansas -4.5 (-113 via bet365)
Though Kansas has played only Fordham and Middle Tennessee, I can't overlook that the Jayhawks are shooting 60.3% from the field, which is the third-best percentage in the nation. Kansas has scored at least 89 points in each game and will now face a Kentucky defense that just allowed 80 points to James Madison.
While James Madison shot just 40% from the field against Kentucky, the Dukes pulled down 14 offensive rebounds, ultimately losing the rebounding battle by just four (40-36). Kansas enters this contest ranked 34th nationally in offensive rebound percentage (41.4%) and 22nd nationally in rebounds per game (45.5).
Kentucky is averaging 87 points per game and shooting 52% from the field, but second-chance opportunities will be the difference in this matchup.
Play to: -5.5 at -110. Pass at -6.5.
Score prediction: Kansas 83 Kentucky 74
Kansas vs. Kentucky player props
Follow all of our college basketball analysis and expert predictions this season.
Trey Kaufman-Renn Over 6.5 rebounds (+102 via bet365)
Last year, Kaufman-Renn averaged 8.3 rebounds per game. He grabbed at least eight rebounds in three of his four NCAA Tournament games, and at least six rebounds in three of his four Big Ten Tournament games. Additionally, he's averaged at least 2.6 offensive rebounds per game in each of his last two seasons.
While Kaufman-Renn has grabbed fewer than five rebounds in his games this season, he also hasn't played more than 23 minutes in a contest. With Kentucky struggling on the glass, I expect Kaufman-Renn to grab more boards in his usual minutes. This is a player who averaged 28.2 minutes per game last season and 30.8 minutes per game two seasons ago.
Play to: Over 6.5 rebounds at -120
Malachi Moreno Under 7.5 points (-125 via bet365)
Moreno's lack of offensive aggressiveness is one of the main reasons I'm taking his Under. Last season, he averaged just 4.6 field goal attempts and 7.8 points per game. This season, he's attempted just nine shots, and though he's made six, he's scored just eight points in each of his first two games.
Dating back to last season, Moreno has scored eight or fewer points in nine consecutive games. He has scored six or fewer points in six of those contests. He hasn't attempted more than five shots in a game since Feb. 21 of last season. He's shot at least 60% in each of his first two games to barely hit this Over. Against Kaufman-Renn and Kansas, his shooting percentage will take a hit.
Play to: Under 6.5 points at -110
Live Kansas vs. Kentucky odds
See the latest odds movement and more on our Kansas vs. Kentucky page.
Latest Kansas vs. Kentucky injuries
Kansas:
- Melvin Council Jr., G - Out
Kentucky:
- None
How to watch Kansas vs. Kentucky
- Date: Tuesday, Nov. 10
- Tipoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
- Location: United Center (Chicago)
- TV/Streaming: ESPN/ESPN Unlimited
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