Kansas vs. NC State Prediction & Odds: College Basketball Betting Preview for Dec. 13

My Kansas vs. NC State prediction makes the case that the No. 19 Jayhawks are underrated entering Saturday’s road game against the Wolfpack. Tipoff is at 5:30 p.m. ET from Lenovo Center on ESPN.

KU has faced one of the toughest schedules during a 7-3 start, all while missing its best player for a month. NC State, which is a 3-point favorite, has posted the same 7-3 clip but hasn't beaten a Power Four program.

✅ Kansas vs. NC State predictions

🏀 Kansas vs. NC State best bet & score prediction

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Kansas +3.5 (-115) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’m not worried about backing Kansas in a road environment considering how much Bill Self has prepared this squad through its first 10 games of the nonconference schedule. The Jayhawks rank sixth nationally in strength of schedule by net rating, according to KenPom.

That’s why I’m confidently backing Kansas as a 3.5-point underdog, and I'd be willing to take its +136 moneyline price tag as well.

Kansas has been battle-tested

Typically, December is the time when most teams play their first true road game, and it’s a perfect opportunity to fade those squads. However, KU’s first road test came in early November, when it lost by 13 to North Carolina.

The Jayhawks haven’t played another road game since then, but seven of their 10 opponents have ranked 67th or better on KenPom’s overall rankings, including four in the top 24. NC State, for context, ranks 28th overall.

Perhaps the best part about KU’s demanding schedule is that a lot of it came without Darryn Peterson, who could be the No. 1 pick in next year’s NBA Draft. He missed seven games following that North Carolina loss before returning in Sunday’s win over Missouri.

Peterson’s absence created an opportunity for role players to step into larger roles, positioning them for future success. The Jayhawks have a clearer sense of who they are than the Wolfpack, who have suffered three double-digit losses to Seton Hall, Texas, and Auburn.

Score prediction: Kansas 76, NC State 74

🆚 Kansas vs. NC State matchup to watch

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Darryn Peterson vs. his health

The only person who can slow down Darryn Peterson is himself. He’s endured a combination of health issues this year, including illness, injury, and cramps. As a result, Peterson has only played more than 23 minutes in one of his three games.

Despite the limited playing time, Peterson has averaged 20 points per game this season. He’s hit at least three triples in all three outings, shooting 42.9% from long range.

NC State has struggled to defend the long ball this year, ranking 359th in 3-point rate allowed and 202nd in 3-point percentage. Assuming Peterson can stay on the floor on Saturday, I like his chances of knocking down three triples.

For more player props, head over to over college basketball best bets today.

Best prop bet: Darryn Peterson Over 2.5 3-pointers (-136 via FanDuel)

📊 Kansas vs. NC State odds

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📺 How to watch Kansas vs. NC State

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 13
• Tipoff: 5:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Lenovo Center (Raleigh, NC)
• TV: ESPN