Kansas vs. Indiana – As NCAA basketball season heats up, an intriguing matchup awaits this weekend between Kansas Jayhawks (9-1) and Indiana Hoosiers (7-2), both teams having shown impressive play this year and making headlines across NCAAB latest picks. Hunter Dickinson has proven himself an imposing presence for Kansas, while Kel’el Ware’s Hoosiers hope to continue their dominance at home.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Indiana Hoosiers
Date & Time: Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 12:30 PM ET
Location: Assembly Hall
TV: CBS
Kansas vs. Indiana Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Kansas | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Indiana | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Kansas Jayhawks Analysis
The Kansas Jayhawks enter this matchup with one of the most prolific offenses in college basketball, averaging nearly 80 points per game while shooting an efficient 52.7% from the field. They crash the offensive boards with tenacity, earning almost 8 extra possessions per contest to overwhelm opponents. Kansas also takes good care of the basketball, committing only 12.7 turnovers per outing. This allows the Jayhawks to overcome mediocre 38.2% three-point shooting and find other ways to dictate the pace of the game. The attack runs through dominant big man Hunter Dickinson and his interior dominance.
Hunter Dickinson is a force inside for Kansas on both ends of the court. He leads the Jayhawks with 19.4 points per game on a scintillating 63.7% shooting clip from the floor. His scoring prowess in the paint helps clear space for the Kansas backcourt while also commanding double teams down low. Dickinson is averaging a double-double as well with 12.6 rebounds per contest, showcasing his abilities on the glass at both ends. Defensively, he protects the rim very well, registering 1.3 blocks alongside 1.3 steals per game this season. With his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ, Dickinson will be the x-factor in determining Kansas’ ceiling both today and throughout March.
Indiana Hoosiers Analysis
The Indiana Hoosiers have displayed a very balanced offensive attack this season, with five players averaging double figures in the scoring column. They play an interior-based style, earning quality looks inside the arc while crashing the offensive glass with aplomb, to the tune of 8 second chance opportunities per game. As a squad, Indiana is shooting a solid 49.5% from two-point range. However, lagging long distance shooting has prevented the Hoosiers from reaching their full potential on that end of the floor. At just 27.2% from beyond the arc, Indiana leaves points on the board when they aren’t getting the ball consistently near the basket.
Defensively, holding opponents to 70 points or less every single time they’ve taken the court so far. The foundation of this stingy defense is rim protection and paint presence, with Indiana swatting close to 5 shots per contest as a team so far. Perimeter defense has been respectable as well, but the Hoosiers have proven slightly more vulnerable from long range when their opposition gets hot from three. Taking away easy looks inside and forcing lower-percentage jump shots will continue being key as Indiana looks to make noise behind this rugged defense.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Indiana Hoosiers Against the Spread
Kansas’ betting trends highlight their strength, especially in hitting the 1H Moneyline and the Kansas has covered in just 4 of their last 8 games after a hot start against the spread. However, they have been favored by nearly 10 points per game this season, covering large numbers. Indiana has covered in 5 straight games entering this matchup while being an underdog in most contests. The Hoosiers are outperforming expectations lately.
At Assembly Hall, Indiana has covered in 8 of their last 11 home games when installed as an underdog. They also have a 13-5 record against the spread in their last 18 December games. Meanwhile, Kansas has failed to cover in 4 of their last 5 road games as a favorite.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Indiana Hoosiers Free Pick
Based on trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Kansas Jayhawks. Given their strong overall performance and ability to secure wins in recent games, Kansas seems to be the safer bet.
Spread: Kansas Jayhawks. Kansas’ offensive and defensive balance gives them an edge over Indiana.
Total: Under. Considering both teams’ trends and defensive capabilities, a lower-scoring game is likely.
Predicted Score: Kansas Jayhawks 75, Indiana Hoosiers 68
In conclusion, while both teams bring their unique strengths to the table, the Kansas Jayhawks appear to have the upper hand in this matchup. Their consistent performance, led by Hunter Dickinson, makes them a reliable pick on most Canadian betting websites. However, in the unpredictable realm of college basketball, surprises are always possible, and the Hoosiers playing at home could leverage that advantage.
