Kansas vs. North Carolina Prediction & Odds: College Basketball Betting Preview for Nov. 7

My Kansas vs. North Carolina prediction previews a battle of tonight's blue-blood basketball programs as the No. 25 Tar Heels host the No. 19 Jayhawks clash. Tip from Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C., is at  7 p.m. ET (ESPN).

Not only is this a matchup between two historic hoops programs (and a rematch of the 2022 national championship), but it’s also a showdown between two of the top freshmen in the country. In the Jayhawks’ corner, they have Darryn Peterson. The Tar Heels, who are the 2-point betting favorite, have Caleb Wilson. And it will all take place on campus. This is what college basketball is all about.

✅ Kansas vs. North Carolina prediction & expert picks

See all of our experts' college basketball picks this week.

📊 Kansas vs. North Carolina odds

See live college basketball odds for every game.

🏀 Kansas vs. North Carolina preview & score prediction

This year’s meeting is the second leg of a home-and-home series. Kansas prevailed with a 92-89 win during last year’s matchup in Lawrence, Kan. But North Carolina will benefit from the rematch taking place at home against a KU team still trying to figure things out.

How will KU perform in a hostile environment?

This is a big early-season test for the Jayhawks following their 94-51 win over Green Bay in the season opener. It’s worth questioning if a team led by a freshman guard is ready to step into a road environment this soon.

Kansas hasn’t done well on the road in recent years with veteran rosters. The Jayhawks, who were preseason No. 1 for the past two seasons, went 4-8 on the road last year and 4-6 in such contests during the 2023-24 campaign.

Flory Budinga is the only returning player who had an active role on last year’s team, so the Jayhawks are still figuring out how to play together. Peterson will lead the way, but what are the roles behind him?

North Carolina, meanwhile, has a starting lineup of four upperclassmen around Wilson. The Tar Heels appeared in good form during their 94-54 victory over Central Arkansas in the opener, as five different players reached double figures.

The Tar Heels have more balance and experience. They are playing at home. I think they do enough to win this game. 

If you're looking for more action on this one, our Mike Spector has you covered with his best college basketball bets today.

Score prediction: North Carolina 82, Kansas 78

🆚 Kansas vs. North Carolina matchup to watch

North Carolina’s size advantage vs. Kansas

According to KenPom, North Carolina ranks 12th in the country in average height, featuring a 6-foot-10 Wilson and a 7-foot center in Henri Veesaar. The Jayhawks are 43rd in average height, but start a 6-foot-7 guard, Tre White, at the power forward spot to help with spacing next to a 6-foot-10 Budinga.

Basically, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jayhawks try more double-big lineups. If not, they might lose the rebound battle by a comfortable margin.

Either way, I could see White losing minutes or having less of an impact on the glass. He grabbed one rebound in the opener and collected three boards against Louisville in exhibition play. I’m surprised to be getting a +105 price on Under 4.5 boards, earning $10.50 on a $10 bet.

Best prop bet: Tre White Under 4.5 rebounds (+105 via BetMGM)

📺 How to watch Kansas vs. North Carolina

• Date: Friday, Nov. 7
• Tipoff: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Dean Smith Center (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
• TV: ESPN