Kansas is off a disheartening loss earlier this week to Texas Tech.
Without star wing Kevin McCullar Jr., the Jayhawks couldn't hold up on the road, resulting in Bill Self's first ejection as Kansas' head coach. However, the senior is expected back in the lineup against Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon with the Jayhawks installed as short road favorites.
Can Kansas slay some of its demons on the road and take care of business as the team looks to maintian its fine standing in the ultra competitive Big 12? Here's our betting preview for Saturday's showdown in Norman, Oklahoma, with odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
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Kansas vs. Oklahoma Odds, Spread and Total
Oklahoma vs. Kansas Betting Trends
- Oklahoma is 13-12 against the spread (ATS) this season
- Kansas is 10-14-1 ATS this season
- Kansas is 3-7 ATS on the road this season
- Oklahoma has gone UNDER in seven of the last 10 games
Kansas vs. Oklahoma How to Watch
- Date: Saturday, February 17th
- Game Time: 4:00 PM EST
- Venue: Lloyd Noble Center
- How to Watch (TV): ESPN
- Kansas Record: 19-6
- Oklahoma Record: 18-7
Oklahoma vs. Kansas Key Players to Watch
Oklahoma
Javian McCollum: A lot of Oklahoma's success is tied to McCollum, who leads hte team in scoring and assist rate this season. However, his shooting has cratered, he's hitting only 24% of his three-point tries and his turnover rate has gone up as well. Now, he has to deal with one of the best defensive guards in the country in Dajuan Harris, who helped force six McCollum turnovers in the first meeting. Can McCollum get on track?
Kansas
Kevin McCullar Jr.: The senior missed the last two games with an injury but is set to return on Saturday against Oklahoma. His impact is immense, The Jayhawks are scoring nine more points per 100 possessions when McCullar is on the floor and the defense is allowing about 11 fewer points per 100. Given the Jayhawks run a short rotation, having nearly a week off and a healthy McCullar can pay dividends. He had 21 points in the first meeting, getting to the free throw line 11 times.
Kansas star Kevin McCullar Jr. is expected to return and play today in Norman against Oklahoma, source told @TheFieldOf68.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) February 17, 2024
Huge news for the Jayhawks - who got pummeled in Lubbock last game without McCullar.
Oklahoma vs. Kansas Prediction and Pick
This is a great opportunity for Kansas to get a road win, something that has been tough to come by in the Big 12 this season. The Jayhawks have only beaten Oklahoma State on the road this season in league play, losing the other four, but are in good shape on Saturday with McCullar set to return.
As mentioned above, the wing has a massive impact on the KU roster on both sides on both sides of the ball and his ability to provide some floor spacing can allow Hunter Dickinson to feast down low. The Michigan transfer scored 24 points in the first meeting on 11-of-16 shooting while grabbing 14 rebounds. With the inability to double on Dickinson, it's pick your poison for the OU defense.
The Sooners offense has been stagnant for much of this conference season, the team is ninth in KenPom's adjusted offensive efficiency according to KenPom. The unit lacks the necessary shot makers to take advantage of Kansas' defense from the midrange as Dickinson is able to camp out in the paint and challenge shots.
I think Kansas, at full strength, can navigate the Sooners and get a road win.
PICK: Kansas ML (-140)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Track Reed's bets here!