Kansas vs Kentucky Picks and Prediction for Tuesday November 10, 2026
The Kansas Jayhawks will meet the Kentucky Wildcats Tuesday night inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, as part of the State Farm Champions Classic. The game is scheduled to begin at 9:30 PM ET with coverage on ESPN. The Kansas Jayhawks come into Tuesday night undefeated through two games this season, ranked #15 in the nation following a 44-point blowout victory over Middle Tennessee in their last outing. The Kentucky Wildcats come into Tuesday night also undefeated through two games played after a nine-point victory against James Madison, ranked #24 in the country. Kansas comes into Tuesday as a -4.5 favorite and a -218 on the money line, while Kentucky is a +180 underdog. The total is set at 155.5. Stay in the action with our College Basketball Picks.
Kansas looks to keep it rolling
The Kansas Jayhawks offense is rolling to start the year, averaging 92 points on 60% shooting from the floor. Defensively, Kansas has been just as stout, holding opponents to 55 points per game this season after giving up only 45 to Middle Tennessee in their last outing. Tre White is leading the Kansas offense this season, averaging 15.5 points per game. Trey Kaufman-Renn is second on the roster, averaging 13 points, and freshman Tyran Stokes is third on the team, averaging 11.5 points per game. Leroy Bluden Jr. is the fourth player on the roster in double digits, averaging 10.5 points per game this season. Melvin Council Jr. is averaging 8 points, and he leads Kansas, dishing out five assists per game. Keanu Dawes is averaging 5 points, and he leads the team, pulling in 8.5 rebounds per game.
Defensively, Kansas dominated its last game, giving up only 45 points, including just fourteen in the first half, as Middle Tennessee shot 25% from the floor and 26% from the outside. Kansas won the rebounding battle by 6 and forced 16 turnovers in the win. Offensively, Kansas was phenomenal, scoring 89 points, including 53 in the second half, on 63% shooting, and the Jayhawks knocked down 7 triples in the game. Trey Kaufman-Renn led the Kansas offense with 17 points on eight shots.
Kentucky tries to stay undefeated
The Kentucky offense is averaging 87 points on 52% shooting from the floor this season. Defensively, Kentucky is allowing 68.5 points per game, though they gave up 80 points to James Madison in game two of the year. Milam Momcilovic is leading Kentucky this season, averaging 15.5 points per game. Zoom Diallo is second on the roster, averaging 14 points, and Alex Wilkins is averaging 13.5 points per game. Mason Williams is averaging 9.5 points, and he leads Kentucky, dishing out five assists per game. Malachi Moreno is averaging 8 points, and he leads the Wildcats, pulling in 8.5 rebounds per contest.
Defensively, Kentucky had some issues in its last outing, giving up 80 points, including 41 in the second half, as James Madison shot 40% from the floor and 33% from the outside. Kentucky did win the rebounding battle and forced 7 turnovers to seal the victory. Offensively, Kentucky was the better team, scoring 89 points, including 50 in the second half to break a halftime tie on 51% shooting. Zoom Diallo led Kentucky with 16 points on 11 shots.
Kansas vs Kentucky Picks and Prediction
Pick: Kansas Jayhawks -4.5
Kansas has the experience and offensive balance to challenge Kentucky throughout this neutral-site matchup. The Jayhawks should be able to find success attacking the basket, especially if the Wildcats struggle to defend without fouling. Kentucky has plenty of talent and will make Kansas earn everything, but the Wildcats could have difficulty slowing down the Jayhawks for an entire game. Kansas should also benefit from its ability to get contributions from different players rather than relying on one offensive option. Kentucky will make a push at some point, but the Jayhawks have enough scoring ability to answer. Kansas gets the nod in what should be an entertaining battle between two historic programs.
Total Pick: Over 155.5
There is plenty of offensive talent on both rosters, and neither team should have much trouble creating scoring chances. Kentucky has the athleticism to get out and run, while Kansas can generate points by attacking mismatches and moving the ball around the perimeter. The Wildcats could find success pushing the action before the Jayhawks get their defense set, creating additional scoring opportunities. Kansas should answer with its own offensive production, particularly if Kentucky gives up easy baskets around the rim. Both teams have enough depth to maintain their offensive pressure even when substitutions are made. This matchup should feature several scoring runs and enough production to clear the total.