Kansas vs. Wisconsin Odds
2022 Battle 4 Atlantis Semifinals
| Kansas Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7.5 -110 | 129.5 -110o / -110u | -300 |
| Wisconsin Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7.5 -110 | 129.5 -110o / -110u | +240 |
If you need any more motivation to get up early on Thanksgiving, here it is. The No. 3 ranked Kansas Jayhawks will square off against the Wisconsin Badgers to kick off the second round of the Battle 4 Atlantis.
The defending national champions have looked the part early this season, as they enter this matchup undefeated with a big victory over Duke already under their belt.
However, the Jayhawks are not the only undefeated team in this matchup, as the Badgers have won their first four games of the year. So, while Kansas is a massive step up early in the season, the underlying metrics point to Wisconsin hanging around.
What's the best way to play this one? Let's dive in and find out.
Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas may have lost its two leaders from last year's championship squad as Ochai Agbaji and David McCormack have moved on. Although, their departures only opened the door for the ascension of Jalen Wilson.
The junior forward has been doing it all for the Jayhawks, averaging 24.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. While his stat line makes Kansas look like a one-man show, the Jayhawks are far from it.
Stud freshman Gradey Dick has gotten off to a red-hot start in his college career. He has already solidified himself as the No. 2 option on the floor, as his length, athleticism and shooting range make him a weapon.
Despite the depth and talent on this Kansas roster, we have yet to see the likes of Kevin McCullar Jr. and Dajuan Harris Jr. step up as viable options. The lack of multiple scoring options has hurt the Jayhawks' efficiency, and the Badgers have what it takes to contain Wilson and Dick.
The Badgers come into this contest ninth in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency, fourth in effective field goal percentage allowed and they've also allowed the lowest percentage of made 3s in the nation.
If Kansas' struggles continue into this matchup, the Badgers could really shut the Jayhawks down.
Wisconsin Badgers
When you look at this Badgers team, it's severely missing the magic of Johnny Davis, who is now in the NBA. In his absence, upperclassmen Tyler Wahl and Chucky Hepburn have become the top options on offense.
However, they have not gotten off to a great start, as they are shooting 37% and 32% from the field, respectively. Unfortunately, they are not alone. Wisconsin is 339th in effective field goal percentage.
The Badgers are a team that has gotten 38% of their points from behind the arc through four games, but that isn't due to high 3-point volume. Instead, that percentage stems from terrible shooting from inside the arc. The Badgers are 358th in 2-point shooting percentage.
Those are not the numbers you want going against this Kansas team, as the Jayhawks are seventh in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. However, Kansas has achieved that rank by contesting shots, particularly ones in the paint. That's shown by its block percentage, which is 23rd in the nation.
Kansas vs. Wisconsin Betting Pick
KenPom has this total projected to be 132. The way each of these two teams are trending, that number may be a gift.
Kansas is going to face its stiffest test on the offensive end of the floor, and the Badgers have yet to prove they can get the lid off the basket.
The under is the play here, as Kansas' pedigree should inflate the total for us.
Pick: Under 131.5 ⋅ Play to 128 |
