Kentucky vs. Kansas: Champions Classic National Media Predictions
The Champions Classic sounds an alarm to the sports world, reminding all casual fans that college basketball is in fact, back. Millions will tune into the traveling doubleheader that opens with No. 9 Duke and No. 18 Michigan State at 7 pm on ESPN, with No. 17 Kentucky taking a crack at the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks in the nightcap.
Kentucky is a 6.5-point underdog on FanDuel, with a total set at 147.5. The Cats are 1-1 against the spread this season. You can get in on the action in the Champions Classic by downloading the FanDuel Sportsbook app or by visiting FanDuel.com/kysports. New customers get $150 in BONUS BETS with any winning $5 moneyline bet.
ESPN’s Myron Medcalf Explains how Kentucky Wins
Matt Jones’ Sunday morning ESPN Radio partner is not providing picks against the spread. He’s digging deeper to provide a blueprint on how each of the four teams can win, or lose, Tuesday night in the Champions Classic.
How the Wildcats will win: Because of DJ Wagner. The five-star freshman, who spent a chunk of his high school career ranked as the No. 1 prospect in his class, will be the key against a Kansas squad anchored by veteran guard Dajuan Harris Jr., who helped the team win the 2022 national title. Wagner has to match Harris’ energy and his effort. He also has to control the pace of this game and avoid costly turnovers. The talent around him will take care of the rest.
How the Wildcats will lose: There aren’t enough big bodies to throw at Dickinson. That has to be a concern as Kentucky prepares to face the 7-footer and Wooden Award contender. By adding big men Aaron Bradshaw, Ugonna Onyenso and Zvonimir Ivisic this offseason, Calipari expected to have the size for this kind of matchup. But all three players are expected to be unavailable on Tuesday. Bradshaw and Onyenso are dealing with injuries, and Ivisic’s eligibility process is ongoing. Although 6-foot-9 West Virginia transfer Tre Mitchell will carry the load for the Wildcats in the paint, a lack of frontcourt depth could cause problems for Kentucky.
ESPN BPI
ESPN’s Dalen Cuff is going OVER in the Champions Classic
The ESPN betting analyst believes Kansas has a significant advantage on paper. The Jayhawks are healthy and experienced, while the young Cats have holes all over the frontcourt. He still doesn’t like Kansas enough to take Bill Self and the points. Allow him to explain why over 147.5 is the move.
“When things look this lopsided on paper, I do get concerned about the line. It’s not a lot to lay, but Wildcats do have an elite coach in John Calipari and high-level talent. I lean to Bill Self and KU to cover, but my favorite play in this game is over 147.5. The new block/charge rule is impacting the game. You can no longer just step under a guy who’s in the air. You have to be set when his plant foot hits the ground, and we’ve seen the impact of this in the number of blocks called and guys bailing out to allow an attempt at the basket. In the 11 games featuring two high-major teams thus far, the over is 10-3 and I think we see that hit again in this one.”
Joe Lunardi Weighs In
Action Network likes the Underdog
A handful of folks who work for the handicapping network made picks for the Champions Classic and every person with a play in the nightcap is taking Kentucky and the points.
“Now, the major difference for Kansas in this game is its 3-point shooting ability. Kentucky only shot 32.7% against Texas A&M-Commerce and New Mexico State. Harris, Dickinson and Nicolas Timberlake (off the bench) all shot over 40% last season. However, they’re not going to shoot a ton of 3s as a whole, so this could help Kentucky,” writes D.J. James.
“Adding on, Kansas is allowing opponents (Manhattan and NC Central) to shoot around 29% from outside. Lastly, this game is played at a neutral court. Yes, Kansas is experienced, but Kentucky looks to be just as talented.”
Another prognosticator agrees with the former — they aren’t worried about Tre Mitchell guarding Hunter Dickinson.
“I simply think this spread is too large. KenPom makes this game Kansas -4, and that’s before adjusting to how talented these young Cats are,” says John Feltman.
“I realize Kansas now has Michigan transfer Dickinson — alongside an experienced supporting cast — but I think this Kentucky team has a chance to be really special this year. Through two games, these Cats are 12th in the nation in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. They’ve also done a terrific job of protecting the basketball, as they’re sixth in turnover%.”
CBS Sports rides with Kansas
Cameron Salerno was tasked to preview this Champions Classic matchup for CBS Sports. He’s following conventional wisdom and predicting the more experienced team to leave the United Center with a win.
“The Champions Classic is one of the best early season events in college basketball because the double-header gives fans a chance to check out future NBA stars,” writes Salerno.
“Wagner, Edwards and Kansas’ Elmarko Jackson could all hear their name called early in the 2024 NBA Draft this summer. Kansas is one of the more experienced teams in the sport and the Wildcats are riding a youth movement that may take some time to develop. The Jayhawks experience will be critical in this high stakes showdown in Chicago. Prediction: Kansas -4.5“
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