Kansas was able to hold off Baylor at home on Saturday despite not having Kevin McCullar to stay in the heat of the Big 12 title race. The team now hits the road for a 'Big Monday' showdown at Texas Tech.
The Red Raiders have been a pleasant surprise, especially on offense, under first year head coach Grant McCasland, and now get a chance to score a massive home win against the Jayhawks. What's the latest on McCullar and the KU team that has a short bench to begin with?
Here's our best bet for Monday's matchup in Lubbock, Texas, with odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Kansas vs. Texas Tech Odds, Spread and Total
Texas Tech vs. Kansas Betting Trends
- Kansas is 2-0 against the spread (ATS) this season
- Texas Tech is 10-12-1 ATS this season
- Texas Tech is 7-9 ATS at home this season
- Kansas is 3-6 ATS on the road this season
- Texas Tech has gone OVER in 15 of 23 games this season
Texas Tech vs. Kansas How to Watch
- Date: Monday, Feb. 12
- Game Time: 9:00 PM EST
- Venue: United Supermarkets Arena
- How to Watch (TV): ESPN
- Texas Tech Record: 19-5
- Kansas Record: 17-6
Texas Tech vs. Kansas Key Players to Watch
Kansas
Hunter Dickinson: Dickinson pitched in all over against Baylor without McCullar on the floor, scoring 15 points while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out two assists. This has been a Texas Tech defense that has struggled in Big 12 play, 13th in KenPom's adjusted defensive efficiency and weak on the boards, can Dickinson have a big outing?
Texas Tech
Warren Washington: After missing the team's mid-week at Baylor about a week ago, the Red Raiders' big man returned to the floor in impressive fashion against UCF. He had 10 points but grabbed 11 rebounds while blocking two shots in the win. He'll have his hands full on Monday, though, with 7'2" Hunter Dickinson on the other side.
Kansas vs. Texas Tech Prediction and Pick
Kansas is entering this game banged up with injuries to three starters. As mentioned above, McCullar missed the Baylor game, but both Johnny Furphy and Dajuan Harris are injured as well and their respective status is up in the air.
Kansas is dealing with injuries to two starters in Kevin McCullar Jr. (knee) and Dajuan Harris Jr. (ankle)
— RC Maxfield (@RCMB323) February 12, 2024
Based on the line, it feels like those guys could be true GTD's
Self didn't seem very encouraged when asked about Kevin McCullar. He said McCullar could barely move today. #KUbball heads to Texas Tech on Monday.
— Michael Swain (@MSwain247) February 11, 2024
McCullar's impact is immense, but the team needs Harris' as the team's primary ball handler that can handle an aggresisve Texas Tech defense.
No matter who plays, my eyes are on the under with both teams playing on a quick turnaround (each played Saturday) and the Jayhawks far from 100%. Even if players like Harris suit up, he'll be dealing with a nagging injury.
I believe the Jayhawks will try to shorten the possessions in this game and try to rely on its ability to win on the inteiror with Dickinson to skate past this game. The Jayhawks are tops in the Big 12 in two-point percentage at north of 58% while Texas Tech is ninth in that same metric.
While Texas Tech has shown an ability to get going from the perimeter, the team is shooting 40% as a unit this season in conference game, the team also has a short bench (327th in bench minutes according to KenPom) and the short rest can play a role.
With questions for the Jayhawks side, I'll target the under on Monday night.
PICK: UNDER 144.5
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.