Syracuse vs. Kansas Prediction & Odds: College Basketball Betting Preview for Nov. 25

My Syracuse vs. Kansas prediction breaks down what could be a tightly contested matchup at 3:30 p.m. ET (TNT) on Tuesday at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The Jayhawks are a 3.5-point betting favorite, but they are still playing without their best player, Darryn Peterson, who could be the No. 1 pick in next year’s NBA Draft. Could the Orange pull off an upset in Las Vegas?

This matchups is a part of Feast Week, and you can stay on top of all the hoops action this Thanksgiving with our college basketball Feast Week guide.

✅ Syracuse vs. Kansas prediction & expert picks

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

🏀 Syracuse vs. Kansas preview & score prediction

I don’t believe in KU’s ceiling without Peterson. This team was designed to build around the NBA prospect. Where the Jayhawks miss him the most is on the offensive end, which is why I’m interested in the Under on the full-game line of 148.5 to net $9.09 on a $10 wager.

Will KU’s offense continue to struggle?

According to Bart Torvik’s website, the Jayhawks had an adjusted offensive efficiency of 130.1 and 122.3 in the first two games. They haven’t hit that mark in the past four contests with Peterson sidelined, finishing 113.5 or fewer three times.

While that might not seem like much of a drop-off, it can make the difference in a neutral-site contest in Las Vegas, especially at a slower pace. Evan Miya’s projections forecast 67.9 possessions for Tuesday’s matchup.

That makes sense based on how these two teams have played thus far. Syracuse’s average defensive possession length of 18.9 seconds ranks 356th in the country. Kansas is 232nd in adjusted tempo, marking its slowest pace since ranking 233rd in 2019-20.

Given the slower pace and KU’s recent offensive struggles without Peterson, I like the Under in a matinee matchup that could come down to the wire at the Players Era Festival.

Score prediction: Kansas 72, Syracuse 71

🆚 Syracuse vs. Kansas matchup to watch

Flory Bidunga vs. Syracuse doubles

With Peterson sidelined, sophomore big man Flory Bidunga has led the way. Bidunga has averaged 16.7 points per game this season, reaching double figures in all four outings that Kansas has been without Peterson.

But now, the scouting report has been focused on Bidunga. He scored 18 points in 34 minutes on Monday against Notre Dame. He faced more double teams, which is why he dished a season-high five assists.

Bidunga is averaging two assists per game this year. He’s cleared this prop three times. I’ll take the plus-money price on him dishing two dimes out of a double team on Tuesday, with a $10 bet paying an $11.50 profit.

Best prop bet: Flory Bidunga Over 1.5 assists (+115 via BetMGM)

📊 Syracuse vs. Kansas odds

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📺 How to watch Syracuse vs. Kansas

• Date: Tuesday, Nov. 25
• Tipoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena (Las Vegas)
• TV: TNT