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Kansas vs. Kentucky: How to watch, odds, picks, final score predictions from ESPN, KenPom

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•01/27/23•

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Kansas vs Kentucky - Joseph Yesufu and Sahvir Wheeler
Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images

One of the highest-profile Big 12/SEC challenge games tips off Saturday night between Kansas and Kentucky. Ahead of the game predictions and betting odds – including KenPom analytics – are rolling in.

How to watch Kansas vs. Kentucky

Tip-off: 8 p.m. ET

Location: Lexington, Kentucky

Channel: ESPN

Vegas odds

Kansas is a 0.5-point favorite over Kentucky on Saturday, according to VegasInsider.

ESPN BPI prediction

Predicted winner: Kentucky

Predicted point differential: 4.1

Win probability (for Kentucky): 65.2%

Matchup quality: 90.3

ESPN’s College Basketball Power Index (BPI) is a tool that measures team strength and uses that to predict outcomes of future performances. ESPN’s BPI has Kansas vs. Kentucky ranked as the third highest-rated game on Saturday’s slate in terms of matchup quality.

KenPom prediction

Predicted final score: Kentucky 71, Kansas 70

Win probability (for Kentucky): 52%

KenPom is another tool that provides advanced analysis across college basketball. Like ESPN, KenPom projects that Kentucky comes away with a victory over Kansas.

Antonio Reeves predicts ‘crazy’ atmosphere at Rupp Arena vs. Kansas

The Kentucky Wildcats are set to square off with the Kansas Jayhawks in Rupp Arena on Saturday night, in a nationally televised showdown of two of college basketball’s blue blood programs. Senior Antonio Reeves has been putting together a solid season this year for the Wildcats, averaging 12.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.

On Friday afternoon, the Chicago native said he expects an electric atmosphere for the highly anticipated matchup.

“The energy’s gonna be crazy in there. I know that our fans will show up, support us. It’s gonna be really loud in there (smiles). They’re definitely gonna show up,” Reeves said.

Reeves transferred to Kentucky from Illinois State, where he led the Missouri Valley Conference with 20.1 points per game. He spent three years with the Redbirds before he became one of the many Missouri Valley stars to hit the transfer portal after the season.