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It’s been a rough year for the Kentucky Wildcats. Kentucky is currently 14-6, and the Wildcats are right on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament according to Joe Lunardi and Bracketology. They do have a big road win over the Tennessee Volunteers to their credit and have four straight victories prior to this weekend’s showdown with the Kansas Jayhawks. A win over the defending national champions during the Big 12/SEC Challenge would be enormous for their hopes of making it to March Madness, and Kentucky is 11-1 in Lexington this season.
The Kansas Jayhawks looked like a potential No. 1 seed through the first two months of the season. Kansas was 16-1 and 5-0 in conference play with wins over Duke, NC State, Indiana, West Virginia, and Iowa State. However, they have since lost three straight games and may not win a share of the Big 12 Conference. Kansas will look to avoid a four-game losing streak when the Jayhawks face Kentucky on Saturday night.
On Saturday, January 28, 2023, the Kentucky Wildcats will host the Kansas Jayhawks at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Kansas Jayhawks at Kentucky Wildcats Betting Odds at BetRivers Sportsbook
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Kansas Jayhawks at Kentucky Wildcats Preview
Five of the seven rotation players from last year’s national champions are no longer on the roster. That has put a lot of pressure on returning starters Jalen Wilson and Dajuan Harris Jr. to make things happen for the Jayhawks. Wilson has been one of the best performers in the country, averaging 21.4 PPG and 8.6 RPG (leading Kansas in both categories). His efficiency numbers aren’t great though, as he is making just 42.7% of his field goals and 34.1% of his threes.
Harris is the team’s primary set-up man once more, as he leads Kansas with 6.5 APG. He is the Jayhawks’ second-best three-point shooter, knocking down 41.7% of his threes, but he doesn’t take a lot of shots.
Freshman guard Gradey Dick is a potential lottery pick for Kansas. Dick is averaging 14.9 PPG and 5.2 RPG, and he is knocking down 43.7% of his threes. He has a lot of what the NBA is looking for at 6’8, and he plays very good defense and is the best free throw shooter on the team too.
Texas Tech transfer Kevin McCullar Jr. has provided defense and rebounding while averaging 10.4 PPG and 7.3 RPG. He turns the ball over a little too often given his touch rate, but that number isn’t terrible. Finally, K.J. Adams Jr rounds out the starters with 10.4 PPG on 63% shooting, but he is not much of a factor on the glass.
Kentucky continues to rely heavily on freshmen, and that has led to some boom and bust seasons over the last few years. Lately, it’s been more bust than boom, and the Wildcats are 8-11-1 ATS by the CBB betting line coming into this game.
Reigning Naismith Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe is having another fine season at this level, but he hasn’t been getting a lot of help. Tshiebwe is a monster in the paint once more, averaging 16.6 PPG and 13.9 RPG, and he had 37 points and 24 rebounds against Georgia last week.
Cason Wallace has been the best freshman on Kentucky by a mile. Wallace is averaging 11.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, and 1.9 SPG while making 39.6% of his threes. He has made sure to contribute in a number of ways and is getting better by the game.
Obi Toppin’s brother Jacob Toppin is averaging 11.0 PPG and 6.6 RPG, but he hasn’t been a great shooter, making just 44.1% of his field gals and 23.1% of his threes. Illinois State transfer Antonio Reeves is playing a bigger role than most people expected, averaging 12.9 PPG while making a team-high 39.7% of his threes.
Kansas Jayhawks at Kentucky Wildcats Prediction
The Wildcats are going to be a popular pick because of Tshiebwe and his ability to get second chances on the offensive glass. However, Kansas is a little too talented in a number of areas and should be able to cover the NCAA Basketball betting line here.
