Kansas vs Houston Odds, Player Props & Picks

Feb 3, 2024; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Houston Cougars forward J’Wan Roberts (13) looks to pass against Kansas Jayhawks center Hunter Dickinson (1) during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY SportsKansas vs Houston highlights the college basketball slate on SaturdayThe NCAAB odds heavily favor the Cougars over the JayhawksRead below for our Kansas vs Houston odds, player props and picks

The #14 Kansas Jayhawks (22-8, 13-17 ATS,) travel to face the #1 Houston Cougars (27-3, 13-15-2 ATS,) on Saturday afternoon in a marquee Big 12 showdown. Tipoff is set for 4pm EST at the Fertitta Center in Houston. The game will be televised on CBS.

Houston is currently an 8.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 136.5 points. College basketball player props are also available, with oddsmakers projecting a huge performance from Kansas star Kevin McCullar Jr.

Let’s get into our Kansas vs Houston prediction and best player props as we break down the NCAAB game odds.

Kansas vs Houston Odds

In the Saturday college basketball odds, Houston is a heavy -450 moneyline favorite over Houston, giving the Cougars 82% implied probability to win the game outright.

In the latest March Madness odds, Houston is the second betting favorite to win the tournament at +650, while Kansas is a +2800 longshot.

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Odds as of March 8, 2024, at FanDuelSportsbook. Sign up using the FanDuel promo code to place a wager on Kansas vs Houston. NC sports bettors can pre-register at FanDuel North Carolina for a unique offer. 

Kansas Seeking Consistent Play

The Jayhawks are hoping to build some momentum heading into the postseason after an up-and-down campaign. Kansas sits at 22-8 overall and 10-7 in Big 12 play, good for fourth place in the conference. They snapped a two-game losing skid with an impressive 90-68 home win over Kansas State on Tuesday as 12-point favorites.

Kansas has been led by the stellar play of senior guard Kevin McCullar Jr. The 6’6″ wing is averaging 19.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 46% from the field. He poured in 19 points in the win over K-State. Joining him in the backcourt is junior point guard Dajuan Harris Jr, who chips in 8.5 points and 6.1 assists per game.

𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Kevin McCullar Jr.

Once a Jayhawk, Always a Jayhawk 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/Y4nCiqXFoV

— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) March 5, 2024

In the frontcourt, Kansas features one of the nation’s top big men in 6’10” senior Jalen Wilson. The All-American candidate is posting 20.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per contest on 42% shooting. Freshman Gradey Dick (14.3 ppg) spaces the floor as a 40% three-point shooter.

As a team, Kansas scores 77.0 points per game (84th in the nation) on 45.2% shooting. They allow 68.3 points per game on defense, which ranks 80th. The Jayhawks have been solid on the glass, ranking 36th in rebounding at 36.1 per game. Taking care of the ball has been an issue at times, as they average 11.4 turnovers.

Cougars Run the Big 12

Houston has been the class of college basketball all season long. The Cougars sit at 27-3 overall and 14-3 in their first year in the Big 12, having already clinched at least a share of the regular season title. They ride an eight-game winning streak into this matchup, most recently earning a 67-59 road win at UCF on Wednesday.

Houston’s success starts on the defensive end, where they lead the nation in scoring defense at just 57.3 points allowed per game. Opponents are shooting only 38.5% from the field and 30.7% from three-point range against the Cougars’ stifling defense. They also force 16.0 turnovers per game.

In its first season in the Big 12 Conference, @UHCougarMBK has clinched at least a share of the 2023-24 Big 12 men’s basketball regular season championship 🏆 pic.twitter.com/yKEwCcd9Tc

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) March 7, 2024

Offensively, the Cougars are led by senior guard Jamal Shead, who is averaging 16.5 points and 6.2 assists per game. Tramon Mark, a junior, is the team’s second-leading scorer at 14.1 points per contest. Houston also features talented underclassmen such as sophomore forward Jarace Walker and freshman guard Terrance Arceneaux, both averaging over 10 points per game.

In the post, J’Wan Roberts anchors the paint with 10.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Houston has excellent depth, with nine players averaging over 13 minutes per game. The Cougars crash the offensive glass relentlessly, pulling down 13.6 offensive rebounds per game (8th). Houston ranks 1st in Ken Pomeroy’s adjusted efficiency margin.

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Jayhawks vs Cougars Player Props

Here are a few player props to consider betting based on the matchup and recent trends:

Kevin McCullar Jr. Over 18.5 PointsWith Jalen Wilson no longer on the roster, McCullar has taken on an even bigger scoring role for Kansas. The senior has topped 19 points in three of his last five games. He went for 21 points in the first meeting with Houston. McCullar’s usage rate should be through the roof in this matchup, making the over on his points prop very appealing.

J’Wan Roberts Over 7.5 ReboundsRoberts has been a force on the glass for Houston. The 6’7″ forward has grabbed at least eight rebounds in seven of his last eight games. He pulled down 10 boards in the first matchup against Kansas. With the Jayhawks ranking just 80th in rebound rate allowed, Roberts should have plenty of opportunities to clean the glass. Take the over on his rebounding total.

Jamal Shead Over 5.5 AssistsShead has taken on the lead playmaking role for Houston this season. The point guard is averaging 6.2 assists per game and has dished out six or more dimes in seven of his last nine games. Kansas allows 12.5 assists per game, so Shead should be able to find his teammates for open looks. Back the over on his assist prop.

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Kansas vs Houston Prediction

In the first meeting this season, Kansas defeated Houston 78-65 as 7.5-point home favorites on February 3rd. However, the Cougars were without two key players in that game. With Houston back to full strength and riding an eight-game winning streak, I expect them to exact some revenge at home.

Houston’s elite defense should be able to contain a Kansas offense that has been inconsistent in conference play. The Jayhawks are just 4-6 in true road games. Meanwhile, the Cougars are a perfect 16-0 at home this season, winning those games by an average of 20 points.

I’ll lay the points with Houston in this spot. The Cougars are the more complete team and their physicality and depth should wear down Kansas over 40 minutes. Kelvin Sampson is one of the best coaches in the country and will have his squad ready to clinch the outright Big 12 title. I’m expecting a double-digit Houston victory.

KU-HOU Pick:

Houston Cougars -8.5 (-120)

 

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