Kansas vs. Kentucky odds: Win probability, final score prediction for Jayhawks, Wildcats

The No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks take on the No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats in Chicago in one of the most anticipated early season games of the 2023-24 campaign.

Odds for Kentucky vs. Kansas

Kansas opened as the 6.5-point favorite over Kentucky, according to FanDuel. The total is set at 147.5 while betting the straight money line is set at (-300) odds for Kansas while Kentucky is +240.

Right now, the money is towards the Jayhawks. But based on the odds Kentucky is getting ahead of tip off, it might not be a bad bet for an early season matchup.

ESPN win probability for Kansas vs. Kentucky

Predicted winner: Kansas
Predicted point differential: 7.1
Win probability (for Kansas): 74.8%
Matchup quality: 84.0

As far as ESPN is concerned, the outlet’s Basketball Power Index rated the game’s matchup quality at an 84, the third highest game Tuesday. Kansas’ win probability is 74.8% and are projected to win by 7.1 points, similar to the odds. ESPN BPI is a model to provide a statistical comparison between two teams and predict future success.

KenPom final score prediction for Kansas vs. Kentucky

Predicted final score: Kansas wins 76-72
Win probability: Kansas – 65%

Finally, KenPom’s projections have this one in favor of Kansas, a 76-72 win over Kentucky at the neutral site. This projection favors Kansas as well, however, it’ll be a little closer than what ESPN predicts.

How to watch:

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN
Location: Chicago (Ill.)

The Champions Classic game between Kansas and Kentucky tips off in primetime, so it’ll be a must-watch Tuesday night.

Both teams come in at 2-0 on the season led by stars on both ends of the floor. For Kansas, Hunter Dickinson highlights the lineup after his transfer from Michigan this offseason.

Dickinson put up 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists in a win over North Carolina Central to open the season. He followed it up with 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists versus Manhattan.

On the flip side, guys like Antonio Reeves and Tre Mitchell operate for the Wildcats. Not only that, freshman DJ Wagner is one of the bright young stars to watch.

Wagner put up 13 points, two rebounds and four assists in the opener against New Mexico State and followed it up with 11 points against Texas A&M-Commerce.

This game won’t necessarily dictate what’s going to happen in March, but it’ll certainly reveal the vibes around both programs. Kansas wants to get back to the national title game after winning it all in 2022.

Kentucky meanwhile, hasn’t quite played like Kentucky according to head coach John Calipari. That’s a little different than Bill Self signing an amended lifetime contract.