Kansas vs Oklahoma Prediction College Basketball Picks 2/17/24

The Kansas Jayhawks will head down to Norman to face the Oklahoma Sooners in Big 12 play this Saturday from the Lloyd Noble Center on ESPN. KU leads the current series, 115-45, and they come in as 2-point road favorites, with the total hovering 143.5. Stay tuned for our Kansas vs Oklahoma Prediction. 

Kansas Jayhawks Preview

Kansas moved to 19-6 after losing to Texas Tech in Lubbock, 79-50. The Jayhawks were overpowered by the Red Raiders, and they’ll attempt to bounce back here in Norman.  KU is scoring 77.0 points per game, on 50.0% shooting, while allowing 68.0 ppg, and they’re currently 5th in the Big 12 with a 7-5 record in league play. The Jayhawks are 6-4 over their last ten games, and they’re 2-5 on the road this season.

Kansas Team Profile

• Bill Self’s team moves at a balanced pace, averaging 71.4 possessions per game (155th), and they’ve been solid from the outside, connecting on 34.7% of their threes (140th). 
• Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson was neutralized by the Texas Tech defense, but he still leads Kansas in rebounding (10.8), while scoring 18.2 ppg. 
• Austin native KJ Adams Jr. also had a long night in Lubbock, but he’s been efficient this season, as he’s averaging 12.4  ppg, while shooting 61.2% from the field. 
• Veteran guard Dajuan Harris Jr. has tallied seven dimes or more in four of the last seven games, and he leads KU in assists (6.5), while scoring 7.9 ppg.  
• Former TTU swingman Kevin McCullar Jr. (19.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 4.6 ago) has missed three of the previous five games, and his status for this contest should be monitored. 

Oklahoma Sooners Preview

Oklahoma comes in at 18-7 after losing to Baylor in Waco, 79-62. The Sooners were unable to overcome a start versus the Bears, and they’ll look to avoid being swept by the Jayhawks this weekend. OU is scoring 76.7 points per game, on 47.3% shooting, while allowing 66.6 ppg, and they’re currently 8th in the Big 12 with a 6-6 record in conference play. The Sooners are 5-5 over their previous ten games, and they’re 13-2 in Norman this season. 

Oklahoma Team Profile

• Porter Moser’s group mixes things up offensively, averaging 70.4 possessions per game (204th), but they’ve knocked down 34.3% of their treys (163rd). 
• Siena transfer Javian McCollum has struggled over the last two games, but he still leads OU in scoring (14.0).  
• Newark native Otega Oweh (12.3 ppg) has also cooled off this month, as he’s failed to reach double figures in five straight games.  
• Junior guard Jalon Moore led the way with 23 points in the win over Kansas State, and he leads Oklahoma in rebounding (6.0), while scoring 10.4 ppg.  

Kansas vs Oklahoma Trends

• KU is 10-14-1 against the spread, with a 12-13 O/U record
• OU is 13-12 ATS, with a 11-14 over/under record.

Kansas vs Oklahoma Prediction

Kansas got pushed around in Lubbock on Monday, and I believe they’ll come out ready to play this weekend in Norman against an inconsistent Oklahoma team. The Sooners breezed thru the non-conference slate, but they’ve struggled since the start of league play, and can be targeted as hosts here. KU’s got to prove they can win on the road, and this will serve as a manageable spot for them. Let’s back Kansas for what may be the final time these two meet as Big 12 rivals on Saturday.

Corey Ghee's Pick: Kansas TO WIN