Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview

The Duke Blue Devils are 32-3 (19-1) this year after they defeated Mount St. Mary’s by a score of 93-49 in their last game. Duke led 54-28 at halftime and held MSM to just 21 points in the second half in the blowout win. The Blue Devils shot 50% from the field, 37.8% on three pointers, and 75% on free throws in the game. Tyrese Proctor led Duke with 19 points and five assists, while Cooper Flagg added 14 points and seven rebounds in the game. Duke was the way better team in this matchup and they put the game out of reach early. 

Prior to that win, the Blue Devils won the ACC Tournament with wins over Louisville by a score of 73-62, North Carolina by a score of 74-71, and Georgia Tech by a score of 78-70. Duke has won 12 games in a row and they finished first in the ACC standings with a 19-1 record. Duke has scored 83 points per game and they have allowed 61.5 points against per game, while also averaging 38.8 rebounds and 16.9 assists per game this season. Cooper Flagg is averaging 18.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while Kon Knueppel is averaging 14.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game this year. Duke is shooting 48.8% from the field, 78.4% on free throws, and 37.7% on three pointers this season. 

Baylor Bears Betting Preview

The Baylor Bears are 20-14 (10-10) this season after they defeated Mississippi State by a score of 75-72 in their last game. Baylor led 37-32 at halftime, but they allowed 40 points in the second half and needed a big stop on the last possession of the game for the win. The Bears shot 43.5% from the field, 25% on three pointers, and 78.9% on free throws in the game. Robert Wright III led Baylor with 19 points and three rebounds, while Langston Love added 15 points and four rebounds in the win. Baylor played a very strong first half and they were able to win the rebounding battle 37-29, which was a huge reason for the win. 

Prior to that game, the Bears lost to Texas Tech by a score of 76-74, but did beat Kansas State by a score of 70-56 before that. Baylor has won four of their last six games and they finished tied for seventh in the Big 12 standings with a 10-10 record. Baylor has scored 76.4 points per game and they have allowed 69.2 points against per game, while also averaging 36 rebounds and 14.6 assists per game this season. Norchad Omier is averaging 15.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, while VJ Edgecombe is averaging 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game this year. Baylor is shooting 44.8% from the field, 74.5% on free throws, and 35.1% on three pointers this season. 

Why Duke will beat Baylor

• Duke has won each of its last 12 games.
• Baylor has lost each of its last six games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.
• Duke has won the first half in 18 of its last 19 games against non-Conference opponents.

Why Baylor will beat Duke

• Baylor has won 10 of its last 11 day games against non-Conference opponents.
• Duke has lost three of its last four NCAA Tournament day games.
• Baylor has won the first half in each of its last five games against non-Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Eight of Duke’s last nine day games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 143 or fewer points.
• Eight of Baylor’s last nine games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 145+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Duke ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+22.1).
• Duke ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for offensive rating this season (126.4).
• Baylor ranks 47th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (69.4%).

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Duke vs Baylor Prediction 

Duke rolls into this matchup looking for their 13th win in a row and they absolutely dominated Mount St. Mary’s in their first game. The Blue Devils have been one of the highest ranked teams all season, but they are the only team left from the ACC. Baylor was able to pick up a very nice win over Mississippi State in their last game, but this will be a much tougher test. The Bears do have a win over St. John’s this season, but they need to shoot the ball much better than they did against Mississippi State if they want to compete. I do like Duke to run away with this game, but I like the over better, as I think Baylor can get into the high 60’s at a minimum. 

Read the rest of "Duke vs Baylor Prediction 3/23/25 College Basketball Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

Before we dive into the North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Duke Blue Devils game let’s review the rules for the Draftkings single game showdown contest.

Draftkings Single Game Showdown Contest Rules

You have $50,000 to utilize on five players from either team. However, one of those players will be designated as your team captain. The captain accumulates 1.5 times the standard fantasy points. Additionally, the captain is 1.5 times the standard cost of the flex position.

The remaining four players in your lineup will receive the standard fantasy points. Having stated that, it is highly important for you to identify the correct player for your captain position if you hope to win a large field DFS GPP (guaranteed prize pool) showdown contest.

If you have additional questions regarding the rules for the single game showdown contest, I recommend that you check out the Draftkings website for more details.

*I recommend that all readers review the starting lineups for both teams prior to setting your DFS lineup for this one game slate.

Here are my Draftkings picks for tomorrow afternoon’s Baylor vs. Duke matchup.

Draftkings NCAA Basketball Showdown Picks

Captain-Cooper Flagg, Guard, Duke Blue Devils $11,400

Talented guard Cooper Flagg has certainly been an essential part of the Duke Blue Devils starting lineup this season. Having stated that, how has the freshman Duke guard performed from a statistical perspective? Let’s review Flagg’s game data from the 2024 NCAA regular season to answer that question.

In the 33 games that guard Cooper Flagg has played for the Duke Blue Devils in the 2024 NCAA regular season, Flagg is averaging a robust 18.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks a game.

Looking at the data just presented more closely, in the 33 games that Cooper Flagg has played for the Duke Blue Devils this season, Flagg has compiled 48.8% field goal percentage, a 36.7% three-point percentage and an 83.1% free throw percentage.

Earlier this month, in the Duke Blue Devils 82-69 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels, Duke guard Cooper Flagg certainly played at a high level. More specifically, Flagg amassed 15 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four blocks in the Duke Blue Devils victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Examining the data just presented more closely, in the Blue Devils win over the Tar Heels, Cooper Flagg tallied a rather impressive 42.3 Draftkings points.

As I noted in the rules section above, selecting the correct player at the captain position for a Draftkings NCAA showdown lineup is absolutely vital if you hope to win a large field GPP (guaranteed prize pool) DFS contest. Keep that in mind as you construct your lineups.

In my view, Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg is the most likely player to post the most Draftkings points in this NCAA regular season game. For that specific reason, I am backing Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg at the captain position for this one game Draftkings NCAA Showdown contest.

Flex Plays

Tyrese Proctor, Guard, Duke Blue Devils $8,000

In addition to guard Cooper Flagg, guard Tyrese Proctor has been a key contributor to the Duke Blue Devils achievements this season.

In the 34 games that Tyrese Proctor has played for the Duke Blue Devils in the 2024 NCAA regular season, Proctor is averaging 22.1 Draftkings points a game.

Additional flex plays I like to perform well in this game (Draftkings price noted): Norchad Omier, Forward (Baylor Bears) $12,400: Jayden Nunn, Guard (Baylor Bears) $5,400.

Read the rest of "Draftkings NCAA Basketball Picks: Baylor vs. Duke 3/23/25" at Sports Chat Place

Mississippi State Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are 21-12 (8-10) this year after they lost to Missouri by a score of 85-73 in the SEC Tournament. Mississippi State trailed 39-34 at halftime and they allowed 46 more points in the second half in the loss. The Bulldogs shot 36.4% from the field, 20% on three pointers, and 70.4% on free throws in the game. Josh Hubbard led Mississippi State with 24 points and one rebound, while KeShawn Murphy added 18 points and eight rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Bulldogs defeated LSU by a score of 91-62, but did lose to Arkansas by a score of 93-92 before that. Mississippi State has lost five of their last seven games and they finished tied for ninth in the SEC standings with an 8-10 record. The Bulldogs competed in the tough SEC this year and they have non-conference wins over SMU, Pittsburgh, and Memphis. Mississippi State has scored 79.8 points per game and they have allowed 74.2 points against per game, while also averaging 38.2 rebounds and 15.3 assists per game this season. Josh Hubbard is averaging 18.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, while KeShawn Murphy is averaging 11.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game this year. Mississippi State is shooting 45.1% from the field, 70% on free throws, and 31.4% on three pointers this season. 

Baylor Bears Betting Preview

The Baylor Bears are 19-14 (10-10) this season after they lost to Texas Tech by a score of 76-74 in their last game. Baylor trailed 52-39 at halftime, but they did hold Texas Tech to just 24 points in the second half in the close loss. The Bears shot 45% from the field, 25% on three pointers, and 84.2% on free throws in the game. Norchad Omier led Baylor with 29 points and 15 rebounds, while VJ Edgecombe added 11 points and seven rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Bears defeated Kansas State by a score of 70-56, but did lose to Houston by a score of 65-61 before that. Baylor has won three of their last five games and they finished tied for seventh in the Big 12 standings with a 10-10 record. The Bears do have non-conference wins over St. John’s and Arkansas, but they also have losses to Gonzaga by 38 points, Tennessee by 15 points, and UConn by four points. Baylor has scored 76.5 points per game and they have allowed 69.2 points against per game, while also averaging 36 rebounds and 14.6 assists per game this season. Norchad Omier is averaging 15.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, while VJ Edgecombe is averaging 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game this year. Baylor is shooting 44.8% from the field, 74.5% on free throws, and 35.1% on three pointers this season. 

Why Baylor will beat Mississippi State

• Baylor has won nine of its last 10 day games against non-Conference opponents.
• Mississippi State has lost three of its last four games.
• Baylor has won the first half in each of its last nine day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Mississippi State’s last seven games have produced a total of 150+ points.
• Seven of Baylor’s last eight games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 145+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Mississippi State ranks T18th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (9.1).
• Mississippi State ranks 18th among Division 1 teams for field goal attempts per game this season (63.3).
• Baylor ranks 47th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (69.4%).

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Mississippi State vs Baylor Prediction 

Mississippi State finished below .500 in conference play this year and they have lost three of their last four games, but they did have to navigate the very powerful SEC. The Bulldogs have had some defensive issues in recent games, as they have allowed 85+ points in three of their last four games. Baylor has lost two of their last three games, but both losses did come by a combined six points. The Bears are the better defensive team in this contest and they need to slow the pace down if they want to have a chance. This will be an interesting battle between the Big 12 and SEC, but I am leaning towards Baylor, as this Mississippi State defense has been a mess. 

Read the rest of "Mississippi State vs Baylor Prediction 3/21/25 College Basketball Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

Baylor Bears Betting Preview

The Baylor Bears (19-13, 10-18-3 ATS) bounced back from a three-game losing streak, their longest of the year, with wins over Oklahoma State and TCU. The Bears did lose the final game of the regular season to Houston and ended in 7th place in the Big 12 Standings but opened the conference tournament with a comfortable 70-56 victory over Kansas State.

Baylor is averaging 76.5 PPG (110th) and is allowing 68.9 PPG (90th). The Bears are getting 35.9 RPG (168th) and dish out 14.8 APG (114th). Norchad Omier is the team’s top performer with 15.5 PPG, a team-high 10.8 RPG, and 1.2 SPG. VJ Edgecombe has 15.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.3 APG, and a team-high 2.1 SPG, while Robert Wright III contributes 11.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG, a team-high 4.4 APG, and 1.0 SPG.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Preview

The Texas Tech Red Raiders (24-7, 17-14 ATS) finished the regular season on a strong note with three straight wins over Kansas, Colorado, and Arizona State. Thanks to that winning streak, Texas Tech secured the No. 2 seed for the conference tournament and skipped the opening two rounds, so the Red Raiders are fresh to take on the Bears on Thursday.

Texas Tech averages 81.1 PPG (31st) and allows 66.8 PPG (43rd). The Red Raiders are 125th in rebounds (36.6) and 34th in assists (16.7). JT Toppin leads the team with 18.1 PPG, a team-high 9.3 RPG, and a team-high 1.2 BPG. Chance McMillian follows him with 14.7 PPG and 4.2 RPG, while Darrion Williams chips in 14.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.8 APG, and 1.2 SPG.

Why Texas Tech will beat Baylor

• Texas Tech has won 14 of its last 15 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Baylor has lost each of its last six night games against AP-ranked opponents at T-Mobile Center.
• Baylor has lost the first half in five of its last six night games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Baylor’s last eight night games has produced a total of 141 or fewer points.
• Each of Texas Tech’s last five night games at T-Mobile Center has produced a total of 141 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Texas Tech ranks 8th among Division 1 teams for net rating this season (+21.4).
• Texas Tech ranks 8th among Division 1 teams for points per possession this season (1.21).

Texas Tech vs Baylor Prediction

Baylor won six of the previous ten H2H encounters but Texas Tech was victorious in the last two, including the first meeting of this season when it was 73-59. Texas Tech had more than enough time to prepare for this game, unlike Baylor who played yesterday and had less than 24 hours to get ready. The Bears will be encouraged following a strong effort in the previous round, but I believe the Red Raiders are currently stronger and will progress to the semis. I am backing Texas Tech to win and cover.

Read the rest of "Texas Tech vs Baylor Prediction 3/13/25 College Basketball Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

Matchup History

The Baylor Bears won the lone meeting between these two teams this season by a final score of 70-62 at home back on January 22^nd, 2025.

Kansas State Recap

The Kansas State Wildcats come into this game looking to add on to their 71-66 win over Arizona State in the first round.

Wildcats Looking To Keep NCAA Tournament Hopes Alive

David N’Guessan leads the Wildcats in scoring with 13.3 PPG and 7.2 RPG while Brendan Hausen has 11.2 PPG. Coleman Hawkins has 10.4 PPG with 6.9 RPG and 4.5 APG and Dug McDaniel has 11.3 PPG with 2.6 RPG and 4.9 APG of his own to own the team lead in assists so far this season. Max Jones has 10 PPG with 4 RPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Kansas State up to this point in the season. As a team, Kansas State is averaging 71.5 PPG on 44.2% shooting from the field, 33.1% from three and 69.1% from the foul line this season.

Why the Kansas State Wildcats will win

• Kansas State has won 13 of its last 14 games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
• Baylor has lost eight of its last 10 games against the Big 12 Conference at T-Mobile Center.

Baylor Recap

The Baylor Bears come into this game as the 7-seed, finishing the year with an overall mark of 18-13 on the year including a 10-10 mark in Big 12 conference play.

Bears Looking To Strengthen NCAA Tournament Resume

Norchad Omier leads Baylor in scoring and rebounding, averaging a double-double per game with 15.6 PPG and 10.7 RPG while Robert Wright III has 11.7 PPG with a team-high 4.5 APG to lead Baylor in the assist department up to this point in the season. Jeremy Roach has chipped in 10.4 PPG with 2.7 APG while VJ Edgecombe has 15 PPG with 5.4 RPG along with 3.3 APG and 2.1 SPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Baylor up to this point in the year. Jayden Nunn has 8.6 PPG with 2.7 RPG while Jalen Celestine has 7.4 PPG with 3.3 RPG. As a team, Baylor is averaging 76.7 PPG on 44.8% shooting from the field, 35.4% from behind the arc and 74.2% from the foul line so far this season.

Why the Baylor Bears will win

• Baylor has won seven of its last eight Wednesday games played at neutral venues.

Total Points Facts

• Seven of Baylor’s last eight games against the Big 12 Conference at neutral venues have produced a total of 138+ points.
• Five of Kansas State’s last six games against the Big 12 Conference at neutral venues have produced a total of 137+ points.

Baylor vs Kansas State Prediction

I’m taking a shot on Kansas State and the points here. I just don’t trust Baylor in any way, shape or form, as I feel this Bears team is just really undersized with Omier, a 6’7” forward as their center going forward. Don’t get me wrong, Omier is a double-double machine, but I think the size is going to be a problem against bigger teams and Kansas State has some size inside. Baylor was also hideous ATS this season, covering just 3 of their final 17 games to close out the year. I think that Kansas State’s the better team in this game, and I think getting points with the better team is never a bad way to go. Give me Kansas State and the points in this one.

Read the rest of "Baylor vs Kansas State Prediction 3/12/25 College Basketball Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

Baylor Bears Betting Preview

The Baylor Bears are 18-12 (10-9) this year after they defeated TCU by a score of 61-58 in their last game. Baylor was tied at 35 at halftime, but they held TCU to just 23 points in the second half for the road win. The Bears shot 44% from the field, 30% on three pointers, and 78.6% on free throws in the game. Norchad Omier led Baylor with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while VJ Edgecombe added 18 points and seven rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Bears defeated Oklahoma State by a score of 71-61, but did lose to Cincinnati by a score of 69-67 before that. Baylor has lost three of their last five games and they are currently tied for sixth in the Big 12 standings with a 10-9 record. Baylor has scored 77.3 points per game and they have allowed 69.5 points against per game, while also averaging 35.8 rebounds and 14.9 assists per game this season. Norchad Omier is averaging 15.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, while VJ Edgecombe is averaging 14.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game this year. Baylor is shooting 45.1% from the field, 74.2% on free throws, and 35.6% on three pointers this season. 

Houston Cougars Betting Preview

The Houston Cougars are 26-4 (18-1) this season after they defeated Kansas by a score of 65-59 in their last game. Houston led 30-27 at halftime and held Kansas to just 32 points in the second half for the win. The Cougars shot 35.3% from the field, 35% on three pointers, and 71.4% on free throws in the game. LJ Cryer led Houston with 22 points and three rebounds, while Emanuel Sharp added 12 points and six rebounds in the victory. 

Prior to that game, the Cougars defeated Cincinnati by a score of 73-64 and Texas Tech by a score of 69-61. Houston has won nine games in a row and they are currently first in the Big 12 standings with an 18-1 record. Houston has scored 74.5 points per game and they have allowed 58 points against per game, while also averaging 36.4 rebounds and 12.6 assists per game this season. LJ Cryer is averaging 15.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, while Emanuel Sharp is averaging 11.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game this year. Houston is shooting 46% from the field, 73.9% on free throws, and 39.6% on three pointers this season. 

Why Houston will beat Baylor

• Houston has won each of its last 21 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Baylor has lost each of its last five night games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Houston has won the first half in each of its last 16 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Baylor’s last 19 night games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 132+ points.
• Four of Houston’s last five road games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 130 or fewer points.

Baylor vs Houston Prediction 

Houston comes into this matchup with a huge lead in the Big 12 standings and they only have one conference loss on the year, but they will be on the road for this contest. The Cougars have rolled through Big 12 play and their defense has been elite, as they are allowing just 58 points against per game this season. Baylor has won two games in a row, but they are just 4-5 in their last nine games. The Bears have only allowed 61 and 58 points in their last two games, but TCU and Oklahoma State are below average teams. Houston won the first meeting with Baylor by a score of 76-65 earlier this year and I just don’t see Baylor having much offensive success in this game. Take Houston to cover on the road. 

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Baylor Bears Betting Preview

Baylor was looking pretty good in the record column by mid-January, but since then the team has struggled amid some tough matchups. The Bears went 11-4 over their first 15 games, taking wins over Arkansas, Sam Houston, Tarleton State, St. John’s, New Orleans, Abilene Christian, Norfolk State, Arlington Baptist, Utah, Cincinnati and Arizona State. A 5-5 run came next with wins over Kansas State, Utah, Kansas, UCF, and West Virginia amid losses to Arizona, TCU, BYU, Texas Tech and Houston. The next three were losses to Arizona, Colorado, and Cincinnati though, leaving the Bears with a 16-12 record through the first 28 games.

In their Saturday matchup with Oklahoma State, the Bears held a slim halftime lead 26-24. Baylor woke up in the second half, playing better on a 45-37 run on the way to a 71-61 victory in the end. Leading the team in scoring was Jeremy Roach, who came off the bench for 21 points with four rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes of work. Norchad Omier managed to double up with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and two steals, while Robert Wright added 16 points with four rebounds and two assists.

TCU Horned Frogs Betting Preview

Over on the Frogs’ side, they’ve had a pretty choppy season so far as well, but they’ve been able to keep their heads above the .500 mark overall. TCU kicked things off on a 10-7 run, beating Florida A&M, Florida Gulf Coast, Texas State, Alcorn State, Xavier, South Alabama, Montana State, Kansas State, BYU, and Baylor in that time. After losses to Kansas, UCF, and Texas Tech the Frogs hit a 5-1 run with a loss to Iowa State mixed among wins versus Colorado, West Virginia, Oklahoma State, Arizona State, and Texas Tech. The next two games were losses to Cincinnati and West Virginia, giving TCU a 15-13 record across 28 outings.

Matched up against UCF this past weekend, the Frogs jumped out to a comfortable halftime lead 49-30. TCU was outscored from there 48-40 but held on for the 89-78 win in the end. Tops in scoring was Vasean Allette with 17 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. Ernest Udeh managed to double up with 16 points, 11 boards, and two blocks, while David Punch had 14 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. Tops off the bench was Micah Robinson on 12 points with five rebounds in 14 minutes of action.

Why the TCU Horned Frogs will win

• TCU has won 20 of its last 21 night games at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Baylor has lost each of its last five road games.
• Baylor has lost the first half in seven of its last eight night games against the Big 12 Conference.

Why the Baylor Bears will win

• The road team has won seven of the last eight games between Baylor and TCU.
• Baylor has won the first half in five of its last six games against TCU.

TCU vs Baylor Prediction

I’ll lean toward TCU in this one. The Frogs did a pretty good job against a middling UCF team in their last outing, shooting 47.8 percent from the field with a 49-42 rebounding edge. TCU could have been better from the line (17-of-28 for 60.7 percent) but holding the Knights to 37.5 percent on the other side helped make up for it. The Frogs’ 89 points were their highest total since posting 105 on Florida A&M in the opener, a welcome sight after just 118 combined points in the previous pair (both losses).

Back on January 19 when these teams last met, TCU took a 74-71 road victory in a close contest. The Frogs came back from an early deficit in that one, eventually shooting 50.9 percent from the field with a 41-25 rebounding advantage. TCU nearly gave the game away with turnovers, however, notching 17 for 21 Bears points. The Frogs are going to need to replicate their strong performance on the boards—and keep the mistakes to a minimum—in this home rematch, but I think TCU has a good shot at powering one out here. Should be a fun matchup to watch regardless.

Read the rest of "TCU vs Baylor Prediction 3/4/25 College Basketball Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

Matchup History

These two teams have not met yet this season, but last season, the lone meeting went the way of Baylor in a 75-70 OT win in Stillwater on January 6^th, 2024. The win made it four straight for the Bears in this head-to-head matchup.

Oklahoma State Recap

The Oklahoma State Cowboys come into this game looking to build on their 74-68 upset win over Iowa State last time out to sit at 14-14 on the year. After this game, Oklahoma State will head on the road for a game against UCF.

Cowboys Looking For Another Big Upset

Bryce Thompson leads Oklahoma State in scoring with 12.4 PPG along with 2.8 RPG while Marchelus Avery has 12 PPG with 4.6 RPG. Abou Ousmane has 11.8 PPG with a team-high 5.3 RPG to lead the Cowboys in rebounding and to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for Oklahoma State up to this point in the year. Khalil Brantley has 6.4 PPG with 2.6 RPG and 2.3 APG while Arturo Dean has 7 PPG with 2.7 RPG and a team-high 3.2 APG and 2.1 SPG to lead the Cowboys in assists and steals so far this season. Brandon Newman also has 6.7 PPG with 3.2 RPG as well on the year. As a team, Oklahoma State is averaging 73 PPG on 42.6% shooting from the field, 32.3% from three and 72.1% from the foul line this season.

Why the Oklahoma State Cowboys will win

• Baylor has lost each of its last five night games.
• Oklahoma State has won three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Baylor Recap

The Baylor Bears come into this game looking to bounce back from a 69-67 loss to Cincinnati last time out to sit at 16-12 on the year. After this game, Baylor will head on the road for a game against TCU.

Baylor Loses Three In A Row

Norchad Omier leads Baylor in scoring and rebounding, averaging a double-double per game with 15.8 PPG and 10.4 RPG while Robert Wright III has 11.9 PPG with a team-high 4.5 APG to lead Baylor in the assist department up to this point in the season. Jeremy Roach has chipped in 10.5 PPG with 2.9 APG while VJ Edgecombe has 14.8 PPG with 5.2 RPG along with 3.4 APG and 2 SPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Baylor up to this point in the year. Jayden Nunn has 8.9 PPG with 2.8 RPG while Jalen Celestine has 7.9 PPG with 3.5 RPG. As a team, Baylor is averaging 78.1 PPG on 45.4% shooting from the field, 36.1% from behind the arc and 75.3% from the foul line so far this season.

Why the Baylor Bears will win

• Baylor has won each of its last nine Saturday night games.
• Oklahoma State has lost each of its last six road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Oklahoma State vs. Baylor Prediction

I’m on Baylor in this game. I get the case to be made for Oklahoma State coming off of the win over Iowa State, but I think that’s just created a letdown spot for the Cowboys in this game. Baylor is the better team and the team that needs to get a bounce back performance to avoid any more damage being done to their NCAA tournament resume. I think that Baylor comes out with purpose at home and gets the job done so give me the Bears in this one.

Read the rest of "Baylor vs Oklahoma State Prediction 3/1/25 College Basketball Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

Baylor Bears Betting Preview

The Baylor Bears lost to Arizona and Colorado, and they play Oklahoma State, TCU, and Houston next. Baylor hopes to avoid three straight losses for the first time this season.

The Baylor Bears are averaging 78.5 points on 45.4 percent shooting and allowing 70.3 points on 44.1 percent shooting. Norchad Omier is averaging 15.8 points and 10.4 rebounds, while VJ Edgecombe is averaging 14.7 points and 5.2 rebounds. Robert Wright III is the third double-digit scorer and Jeremy Roach is grabbing 2 rebounds. The Baylor Bears are shooting 35.8 percent from beyond the arc and 75.2 percent from the free throw line. The Baylor Bears are allowing 35.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.4 rebounds per game.

Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Preview

The Cincinnati Bearcats lost to West Virginia, beat TCU, and they play Houston, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State next. Cincinnati is a perfect 3-0 at home this season.

The Cincinnati Bearcats are averaging 71.7 points on 45.5 percent shooting and allowing 65 points on 41.9 percent shooting. Jizzle James is averaging 12.4 points and 3.9 assists, while Simas Lukosius is averaging 11.4 points and 3.1 rebounds. Dillion Mitchell is the third double-digit scorer and Dan Skillings Jr. is grabbing 3.9 rebounds. The Cincinnati Bearcats are shooting 32.9 percent from beyond the arc and 66.7 percent from the free throw line. The Cincinnati Bearcats are allowing 31.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 32 rebounds per game.

Cincinnati vs Baylor Injury Report

Cincinnati will be without Connor Hickman and Tyler McKinley, while Simas Lukosius is questionable. Baylor will be without Josh Ojianwuna and Yanis Ndjonga, while Jayden Nunn is questionable with an illness.

Cincinnati vs Baylor Prediction

Baylor and Cincinnati have been inconsistent this season so it’s a matter of which team shows up. I’m going to lean toward Cincinnati at home where it’s seen 11 of its 16 wins come. Baylor has lost eight of its 10 road games. Baylor has lost three of its last four games overall and the defense just isn’t as good as we’re used to seeing. Baylor has allowed 70 or more points in eight straight games. Cincinnati is top-25 in scoring defense and top-100 in field goal percentage defense. I’ll lay the bucket with Cincinnati at home.

Read the rest of "Cincinnati vs Baylor Prediction 2/25/25 College Basketball Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

Must Win Game for Baylor?

Baylor is a good team, but they have been daunted by a tough Big 12 schedule, and right now they have suffered more losses than probably expected. Baylor has lost two of the last three games, with the only win coming a couple of games ago against the West Virginia Mountaineers. On Monday, Baylor got out to a slow start against the Arizona Wildcats, giving up 41 points in the first half, something they couldn’t bounce back from. One issue for Baylor was the three-point shooting, hitting only 5 of 22 shots. V.J. Edgecombe is having a huge season, and he put up 24 points, four rebounds, and two assists. 

Baylor has 16 wins this season, but away from home they only have two wins. The last time out West, Baylor went to BYU and the defense gave up 93 points. The Bears are averaging 78.87 points while their defense is giving up 70 points per game. 

Has Colorado Checked Out?

There have been many games this season where Colorado has looked checked out from the season, but two games ago against UCF, they picked up a 76-63 victory. In the last game against Iowa State, the defense went back to their old ways, giving up 79 points, which led to the loss. At halftime, Colorado was down 45-28, and by the second half, it was too little too late to try and stage a comeback. Colorado actually shot 45.3 percent from the field but only hit four shots from deep. The lack of three-point shooting success was a bit surprising, with them averaging 35.9 percent on the season. 

The good news for Colorado is this game is at home, a place they have had most of their success this season. Colorado has had 10 wins overall, and nine of them have come at the Coors Events Center. Taking care of the ball has been a problem, and they currently average 14.8 turnovers per game. It will take a near-perfect game to find success in this game, and turning the ball over near their season average could doom them. Julian Hammond III has been the most consistent player averaging 12.9 points while shooting 41.7 percent of the field. If the Buffaloes have a lead late, they want the ball in his hand, as he has shot over 90 percent from the free-throw line. 

Why Colorado Will Cover Against Baylor

• Colorado has won 23 of its last 24 day games at CU Events Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Baylor has lost four of its last five road games against the Big 12 Conference.
• Baylor has lost the first half in four of its last five road day games against the Big 12 Conference.

Colorado vs Baylor Prediction

It might not be a popular play, but I am not just not sure how you bet against the home squad here. Baylor on the road has been a struggle, and any game away from home in the Big 12 is tough. Baylor’s defense has been a major issue this season giving up 70 points per game, and Colorado will take advantage. With these types of games, free throw shooting is going to be important, and having someone like Hammond in the back pocket of Colorado is important. Colorado will make the shots late, Baylor won’t, and the home squad will end up covering the spread. 

Read the rest of "Colorado vs Baylor Prediction 2/22/25 College Basketball Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

Before we dive into the Baylor Bears vs. Arizona Wildcats game let’s review the rules for Draftkings single game showdown contest.

Draftkings Single Game Showdown Contest Rules

You have $50,000 to utilize on five players from either team. However, one of those players will be designated as your team captain. The captain accumulates 1.5 times the standard fantasy points. Additionally, the captain is 1.5 times the standard cost of the flex position.

The remaining four players in your lineup will receive the standard fantasy points. Having stated that, it is highly important for you to identify the correct player for your captain position if you hope to win a large field DFS GPP (guaranteed prize pool) showdown contest.

If you have additional questions regarding the rules for the single game showdown contest, I recommend that you check out the Draftkings website for more details.

*I recommend that all readers review the starting lineups for both teams prior to setting your DFS lineup for this one game slate.

Here are my Draftkings picks for this evening’s Arizona Wildcats vs. Baylor Bears matchup.

Draftkings NCAA College Basketball Showdown Picks

Captain-Jaden Bradley, Guard, Arizona Wildcats $8,800

Junior guard Jaden Bradley has been a standout performer for the Arizona Wildcats this season. With that said, how has the talented young guard performed from a statistical perspective? Let’s review Bradley’s game data from the 2024 NCAA regular season to answer that question.

In the 25 games that guard Jaden Bradley has played for the Arizona Wildcats in the 2024 NCAA regular season, Bradley is averaging 11.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.1 steals a game.

Examining the data just presented more closely, in the 25 games that junior guard Jaden Bradley has played for the Arizona Wildcats this season, Bradley has compiled a 45.8% field goal percentage, a 30.9% three-point percentage and an 82.4% free throw percentage.

These two teams met earlier this season. Who prevailed? How did Jaden Bradley perform in the game? In the Arizona Wildcats 81-70 win over the Baylor Bears last month, Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley certainly played at a high level. More specifically, Bradley tallied 23 points, five rebounds, six assists and one steal in the Arizona Wildcats victory over the Baylor Bears.

Looking at the data just presented more closely, in the Arizona Wildcats win over the Baylor Bears just mentioned, Jaden Bradley amassed a robust 30.3 Draftkings points.

As I noted in the rules section above, selecting the correct player at the captain position for a Draftkings NCAA showdown lineup is absolutely vital if you hope to win a large field GPP (guaranteed prize pool) DFS contest.

In my opinion, Jaden Bradley is the most likely player to post the most Draftkings points in this NCAA regular season game. Having stated that, I am rolling with Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradely at the captain position for this one game Draftkings NCAA Showdown contest.

Flex Plays

Langston Love, Guard, Baylor Bears $4,600

Junior guard Langston Love has been a key contributor to the Baylor Bears team achievements this season. In the 11 games that Langston Love has played for the Baylor Bears in the 2024 NCAA regular season, Love is averaging 15.9 Draftkings points a game.

In my view, Langston Love’s low Draftkings price of only $4,600 presents the best fantasy value of any player on this one game DFS slate.

Additional flex plays I like to perform well in this game (Draftkings price noted): Norchad Omier, Forward (Baylor) $12,000: Caleb Love, Guard (Arizona) $10,000: Jayden Nunn, Guard (Baylor) $4,000.

Read the rest of "Draftkings NCAA Basketball Picks: Arizona vs. Baylor 2/17/25" at Sports Chat Place

Arizona Recap

The Arizona Wildcats come into this game looking to bounce back from a 62-58 loss to Houston in their last game to sit at 17-8 on the year. After this game, Arizona will head home for a game against BYU.

Wildcats Lose Back-To-Back Games

Caleb Love leads Arizona in scoring with 16.3 PPG along with 4.5 RPG and 3.2 APG while Jaden Bradley has 11.7 PPG and 3.8 APG of his own to lead Arizona in assists. KJ Lewis has 10 PPG with 4.5 RPG and 3.3 APG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for Arizona so far this year while Tobe Awaka has 7.9 PPG and a team-high 7.9 RPG to lead the Wildcats on the glass. Anthony Dell’Orso also has 8.3 PPG and Trey Townsend has 9 PPG and 4.1 RPG so far this season. Henri Veesaar also has 8.1 PPG with 4.6 RPG as well on the year. As a team, Arizona is averaging 82.9 PPG on 47.5% shooting from the field, 32.8% from three-point range, and 76.9% from the foul line this season.

Why the Arizona Wildcats will win

• Arizona has won each of its last nine Monday games.
• Baylor has lost each of its last four night games against AP-ranked opponents.

Baylor Recap

The Baylor Bears come into this game looking to build off of their 74-71 win over West Virginia last time out to improve to 16-9 on the year. After this game, Baylor will head on the road for a game against Colorado.

Bears Looking For Some Consistency

Norchad Omier leads Baylor in scoring and rebounding, averaging a double-double per game with 15.5 PPG and 10.5 RPG while Robert Wright III has 12.7 PPG with a team-high 4.7 APG to lead Baylor in the assist department up to this point in the season. Jeremy Roach has chipped in 11.7 PPG with 3.5 APG while VJ Edgecombe has 15 PPG with 5.1 RPG along with 3.2 APG and 2.2 SPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Baylor up to this point in the year. Jayden Nunn has 9.6 PPG with 2.9 RPG while Jalen Celestine has 8.3 PPG with 3.3 RPG. As a team, Baylor is averaging 80 PPG on 45.9% shooting from the field, 36.3% from behind the arc, and 74.2% from the foul line so far this season.

Why the Baylor Bears will win

• Baylor has won 14 of its last 15 games at Foster Pavilion.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Baylor’s last six games against AP-ranked opponents has produced a total of 151 or fewer points.
• Sixteen of Arizona’s last 18 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 152+ points.

Baylor vs Arizona Prediction

I’m on Arizona in this one. Baylor lost their big man for the season last week in Josh Ojianwuna, and that’s problematic because it forces Norchad Omier, who is 6’7”, into the center role. Omier’s a great rebounder and it didn’t hurt last game against a West Virginia team that usually runs small and is very guard-heavy, but I think it will hurt against good rebounding teams with size like Arizona and I think off of back-to-back losses, knowing that they’re running out of time to get big resume-building wins, Arizona shows up here. I’ll roll with Arizona on the road in this one.

Read the rest of "Baylor vs Arizona Prediction 2/17/25 College Basketball Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Preview

The West Virginia Mountaineers lost to BYU, beat Utah, and they play Cincinnati, Texas Tech, and TCU next. The West Virginia Mountaineers are averaging 69.4 points on 43.1 percent shooting and allowing 64 points on 40.4 percent shooting. Javon Small is averaging 18.5 points and 4.4 rebounds, while Tucker DeVries is averaging 14.9 points and 4.9 rebounds. Amani Hansberry is dishing 1.4 assists and Toby Okani is grabbing 4 rebounds. The West Virginia Mountaineers are shooting 33.1 percent from beyond the arc and 73.2 percent from the free throw line. The West Virginia Mountaineers are allowing 29.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 29.6 rebounds per game.

Baylor Bears Betting Preview

The Baylor Bears lost to Houston, beat UCF, and they play Arizona, Colorado, and Cincinnati next. The Baylor Bears are averaging 79.3 points on 46.2 percent shooting and allowing 69.8 points on 44 percent shooting. Norchad Omier is averaging 15.7 points and 10.3 rebounds, while VJ Edgecombe is averaging 15 points and 5.1 rebounds. Robert Wright III is the third double-digit scorer and Jeremy Roach is grabbing 1.9 rebounds. The Baylor Bears are shooting 36.9 percent from beyond the arc and 74.3 percent from the free throw line. The Baylor Bears are allowing 36.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.5 rebounds per game.

Baylor vs West Virginia Injury Report

Baylor will be without Josh Ojianwuna and Yanis Ndjonga. West Virginia will be without Tucker DeVries and Jayden Stone.

Baylor vs West Virginia Prediction

The West Virginia Mountaineers have been unpredictable all year, and it’s hard to trust their offense night to night. The Baylor Bears are 11-1 SU at home this season, and they’ve covered 20 of their last 30 games in the favorite role. Baylor has also won nine of the last 10 games against West Virginia while covering seven of those games. A bit of a thick line for a Baylor team that’s not as good as past years, but I’ll side with history and the home dominance of this season. Give me Baylor in a comfortable win on Saturday afternoon.

Read the rest of "Baylor vs West Virginia Prediction 2/15/25 College Basketball Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

Baylor Recap

The Baylor Bears come into this game looking to build on a 91-76 win over UCF last time out to improve to 15-8 on the year. After this game, Baylor will head home for a matchup with the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Bears Looking For Consistency

Norchad Omier leads Baylor in scoring and rebounding, averaging a double-double per game with 15.5 PPG and 10.5 RPG while Robert Wright III has 12.7 PPG with a team-high 4.7 APG to lead Baylor in the assist department up to this point in the season. Jeremy Roach has chipped in 11.7 PPG with 3.5 APG while VJ Edgecombe has 15 PPG with 5.1 RPG along with 3.2 APG and 2.2 SPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Baylor up to this point in the year. Jayden Nunn has 9.6 PPG with 2.9 RPG while Jalen Celestine has 8.3 PPG with 3.3 RPG. As a team, Baylor is averaging 80 PPG on 45.9% shooting from the field, 36.3% from behind the arc, and 74.2% from the foul line so far this season.

Why the Baylor Bears will win

• Baylor has won 18 of its last 19 Monday games against the Big 12 Conference.

Houston Recap

The Houston Cougars come into this game looking to keep the ball rolling after a 69-59 win over Colorado last time out to improve to 19-4 on the year. After this game, Houston will head on the road for a game against Arizona.

Cougars Win Back-To-Back Games

L.J. Cryer leads the Cougars in scoring with 14.3 PPG while Emanuel Sharp has 12.5 PPG with 3 RPG. J’Wan Roberts has 11.8 PPG with a team-high 6.6 RPG to lead the Cougars on the glass up to this point in the year while Milos Uzan has added 10 PPG with 3.3 RPG and a team-high 4.7 APG to lead Houston in assists, rounding out the group of double-digit scorers for Houston so far this season. Terrance Arceneaux has 8.6 PPG with 3.4 RPG and Joseph Tugler added 5.8 PPG and 6.1 RPG. As a team, Houston’s averaging 75.7 PPG on 45.9% shooting from the field, 39.3% from three, and 72.3% from the foul line this season.

Why the Houston Cougars will win

• Houston has won each of its last 55 night games at Fertitta Center.
• Baylor has lost each of its last four games against Top 5 AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Baylor’s last 12 night games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents has produced a total of 137+ points.
• Eight of Houston’s last nine night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 127 or fewer points.

Houston vs Baylor Prediction

I’m with Houston here. I still have my concerns about Baylor on the road. Don’t get me wrong, Baylor’s coming off of a great win against UCF, but any success that Baylor has had on the road has come against inferior opposition. Houston is one of the best defensive teams in the Big 12, and when Baylor faced a similar caliber defense on the road in Iowa State earlier this season, Baylor lost by 19 and was held to 55 points. I think at home we see Houston’s defense wake up and shut down Baylor to win this one by double digits. Give me Houston.

Read the rest of "Houston vs Baylor Prediction 2/10/25 College Basketball Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

UCF Knights Betting Preview

The UCF Knights lost to BYU and Cincinnati, and they play Iowa State, Colorado, and Oklahoma State next. The UCF Knights are averaging 79.8 points on 42.2 percent shooting and allowing 79.5 points on 45.2 percent shooting. Keyshawn Hall is averaging 18.3 points and 2.5 assists, while Darius Johnson is averaging 15 points and 3.5 rebounds. Jordan Ivy-Curry is the third double-digit scorer and Moustapha Thiam is grabbing 5.5 rebounds. The UCF Knights are shooting 34.4 percent from beyond the arc and 77.8 percent from the free throw line. The UCF Knights are allowing 35 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 32.7 rebounds per game.

Baylor Bears Betting Preview

The Baylor Bears lost to Texas Tech, beat Kansas, and they play Houston, West Virginia, and Arizona next. The Baylor Bears are averaging 79.5 points on 45.6 percent shooting and allowing 69.3 points on 43.7 percent shooting. Norchad Omier is averaging 15.4 points and 10.4 rebounds, while VJ Edgecombe is averaging 14.9 points and 5.3 rebounds. Robert Wright III is the third double-digit scorer and Jeremy Roach is grabbing 2.2 rebounds. The Baylor Bears are shooting 36.5 percent from beyond the arc and 73.6 percent from the free throw line. The Baylor Bears are allowing 36 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.5 rebounds per game.

Baylor vs UCF Injury Report

UCF will be without Cameron Simpson, while Jaylin Sellers is questionable. Baylor will be without Yanis Ndjonga, while Langston Love, VJ Edgecombe, and Jeremy Roach are questionable.

Baylor vs UCF Prediction

The Baylor Bears are the more talented team with the better defense, and they’re 10-1 SU at home this season. However, this feels like a lot of points to give a UCF team that doesn’t do a lot great but is top-60 in scoring offense. UCF has scored 75 or more points in eight of its last nine games, and its led to covers in five of its last eight games. Baylor is 8-12-1 ATS on the season. Baylor has failed to cover three of its alst five games as a favorite. It’s not always pretty with UCF, but the Knights can score enough to hang around. Giving UCF nearly double-digit free buckets feels like a steal. I’ll grab the points with UCF on the road.

Read the rest of "Baylor vs UCF Prediction 2/8/25 College Basketball Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

Baylor Bears Betting Preview

The Baylor Bears lost to BYU, beat Kansas, and they play UCF, Houston, and West Virginia next. The Baylor Bears are averaging 80.5 points on 46.1 percent shooting and allowing 69.1 points on 43.9 percent shooting. Norchad Omier is averaging 15.4 points and 10.3 rebounds, while VJ Edgecombe is averaging 14.9 points and 5.3 rebounds. Robert Wright III is the third double-digit scorer and Jeremy Roach is grabbing 1.9 rebounds. The Baylor Bears are shooting 36.8 percent from beyond the arc and 73.2 percent from the free throw line. The Baylor Bears are allowing 35.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.4 rebounds per game.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Preview

The Texas Tech Red Raiders beat TCU and Houston, and they play Arizona, Arizona State, and Oklahoma State next. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are averaging 81.5 points on 48.8 percent shooting and allowing 65.5 points on 41.4 percent shooting. JT Toppin is averaging 15.4 points and 0.9 assists, while Chance McMillian is averaging 15.4 points and 4.3 rebounds. Darrion Williams is the third double-digit scorer and Christian Anderson is grabbing 2.5 rebounds. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are shooting 38.2 percent from beyond the arc and 76 percent from the free throw line. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are allowing 31.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33 rebounds per game.

Why the Texas Tech Red Raiders will win

• Texas Tech has won 19 of its last 20 night games at United Supermarkets Arena.
• Baylor has lost each of its last five Tuesday road games.
• Texas Tech has won the first half in each of its last eight night games at United Supermarkets Arena.

Why the Baylor Bears will win

• Baylor has won five of its last six games following a home win.
• Baylor has won the first half in seven of its last eight games against Texas Tech.

Total Points Facts

• Each of the last five games between Baylor and Texas Tech has produced a total of 146+ points.
• Each of Baylor’s last three games at United Supermarkets Arena has produced a total of 146+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Texas Tech ranks 6th among Division 1 teams for offensive rating this season (121.9).
• Texas Tech ranks 6th among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (97.9).
• Baylor ranks 355th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (4.6).
• Baylor ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (66.8%).

Texas Tech vs Baylor Injury Report

Texas Tech will be without Devan Cambridge and Jazz Henderson, while Kevin Overton is questionable. Baylor will be without Yanis Ndjonga, while Langston Love, Jeremy Roach, and VJ Edgecombe are questionable.

Texas Tech vs Baylor Prediction

The Texas Tech Red Raiders are a team that continues to get more respect as they’ve won six straight games, and they’re coming off a win over Houston as a double-digit underdog. Texas Tech is turning heads and looking like a group that could make a run come March. The Red Raiders are terrific offensively and still play that gritty defense. With all that said, that win over Houston does create a potential letdown spot here. Also, let’s not act like Baylor is a pushover as the Bears are a top-50 scoring offense and can shoot the three with the best of them. This has the potential to be a high-scoring back-and-forth contest that’s decided in the final five minutes. Give me Baylor and the points.

Read the rest of "Texas Tech vs Baylor Prediction 2/4/25 College Basketball Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

Kansas Recap

The Kansas Jayhawks come into this game looking to build on their 91-87 win over UCF last time out to improve to 15-5 on the year. After this game, Kansas will head home for a rematch with the Iowa State Cyclones.

Jayhawks Looking To Build Momentum

Hunter Dickinson leads the Jayhawks in scoring and rebounding, averaging a double-double per game with 15.8 PPG and 10.1 RPG along with 2.4 APG while Zeke Mayo has 14.9 PPG with 4.3 RPG and 2.8 APG as the only other double-digit scorer for Kansas so far this season. Dajuan Harris Jr. has 9.6 PPG with 2.8 RPG and a team-high 5.8 APG to lead Kansas in assists so far this season. KJ Adams Jr. also has 8.2 PPG with 4.6 RPG and 2.3 APG as well for Kansas this season. As a team, Kansas is averaging 76.8 PPG on 48.1% shooting from the field, 33.5% from three and 71.8% from the foul line this season.

Why the Kansas Jayhawks will win

• Kansas has won each of its last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Baylor has lost each of its last three games against AP-ranked opponents.

Baylor Recap

The Baylor Bears come into this game looking to bounce back from a 93-89 OT loss to BYU on the road last time out to sit at 13-7 on the year. After this game, Baylor will head on the road once again to take on Texas Tech.

Bears Looking To Rebound

Norchad Omier leads Baylor in scoring and rebounding, averaging a double-double per game with 15.4 PPG and 10.2 RPG while Robert Wright III has 11.9 PPG with a team-high 4.7 APG to lead Baylor in the assist department up to this point in the season. Jeremy Roach has chipped in 11.9 PPG with 3.5 APG while VJ Edgecombe has 14.2 PPG with 5.4 RPG along with 3.2 APG and 2.4 SPG. Jayden Nunn’s added 10 PPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Baylor up to this point in the year. As a team, Baylor is averaging 79.9 PPG on 46% shooting from the field, 36.5% from behind the arc and 72.3% from the foul line so far this season.

Why the Baylor Bears will win

• The home team has won each of the last eight games between Kansas and Baylor.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Baylor’s last four home games against Kansas have produced a total of 144+ points.
• Four of Kansas’ last five road games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 135 or fewer points.

Baylor vs Kansas Prediction

I’m on Kansas and the points here. I’m just not a fan of this Baylor team right now, as something just feels off as to why they can’t get over the hump against the good teams. I think part of it is youth, but in this matchup, Baylor is just really undersized. I’ll give Omier a ton of credit, averaging a double-double per game at 6’7”, but I don’t see anyone that can match the size of Hunter Dickinson and I think he’s going to be a problem inside for Baylor in this game. Give me Kansas and the points in a game I really think that Kansas has a chance at winning outright.

Read the rest of "Baylor vs Kansas Prediction 2/1/25 College Basketball Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

Before we dive into the Kansas Jayhawks vs. Baylor Bears game let’s review the rules for Draftkings single game showdown contest.

Draftkings Single Game Showdown Contest Rules

You have $50,000 to utilize on five players from either team. However, one of those players will be designated as your team captain. The captain accumulates 1.5 times the standard fantasy points. Additionally, the captain is 1.5 times the standard cost of the flex position.

The remaining four players in your lineup will receive the standard fantasy points. Having stated that, it is highly important for you to identify the correct player for your captain position if you hope to win a large field DFS GPP (guaranteed prize pool) showdown contest.

If you have additional questions regarding the rules for the single game showdown contest, I recommend that you check out the Draftkings website for more details.

*I recommend that all readers review the starting lineups for both teams prior to setting your DFS lineup for this one game slate.

Here are my Draftkings picks for tomorrow afternoon’s Kansas Jayhawks vs. Baylor Bears matchup.

Captain-Hunter Dickinson, Forward, Kansas Jayhawks $11,600

Forward Hunter Dickinson has certainly been a solid player for the Kansas Jayhawks this season. Having stated that, how has the senior forward performed from a statistical perspective? Let’s review Hunter Dickinson’s game data from the 2024 NCAA regular season to answer that question.

In the 20 games that forward Hunter Dickinson has played for the Kansas Jayhawks in the 2024 NCAA regular season, Dickinson is averaging 16.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals a game.

Looking closer at the data just presented, in the 20 games that Hunter Dickinson has played for the Kansas Jayhawks this season, Dickinson has amassed a field goal percentage of 52.5%, and a three-point percentage of 22.2% and a free throw percentage of 79.7%.

Earlier this month, in the Kansas Jayhawks 98-48 win over the UCF Knights, Hunter Dickinson played exceptionally well. Let me be more specific. Dickinson accumulated 27 points, nine rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal in the Kansas Jayhawks victory over the UCF Knights.

Examining the data just presented more closely, in the Jayhawks win over the UCF Knights, Hunter Dickinson tallied a massive 45.8 Draftkings points.

As I noted in the rules section above, selecting the correct player at the captain position for a Draftkings NCAA showdown lineup is absolutely vital if you hope to win a large field GPP (guaranteed prize pool) DFS contest. Keep that in mind as you construct your lineups for this one game Draftkings slate.

In my view, Hunter Dickinson is the most likely player to post the most Draftkings points in this evening’s NCAA regular season game. With that said, I am backing Hunter Dickinson at the captain position for this one game Draftkings NCAA Showdown contest.

Flex Plays

KJ Adams, Forward, Kansas Jayhawks $5,600

In addition to forward Hunter Dickinson, forward KJ Adams has been a key contributor to the Kansas Jayhawks overall team achievements this season.

In the 17 games that guard KJ Adams has played for the Kansas Jayhawks in the 2024 NCAA regular season, Adams is averaging a respectable 8.4 points, 4.6 assists, 2.3 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.8 steals a game.

In my opinion, Kansas Jayhawks forward KJ Adams presents the best fantasy value of any player on this one game DFS slate.

Additional flex plays I like to perform well in this game (Draftkings price noted): Norchad Omier, Forward (Baylor Bears) $9,800: Jayden Nunn, Guard (Baylor Bears) $6,400.

Read the rest of "Draftkings NCAA Basketball Picks: Kansas vs. Baylor 2/1/25" at Sports Chat Place

Baylor Recap

The Baylor Bears come into this game looking to build on a 76-61 win over Utah last time out to improve to 13-6 on the year. After this game, Baylor will take on the Kansas Jayhawks at home.

Bears Win Back-To-Back Games

Norchad Omier leads Baylor in scoring and rebounding, averaging a double-double per game with 15.4 PPG and 10.2 RPG while Robert Wright III has 11.9 PPG with a team-high 4.7 APG to lead Baylor in the assist department up to this point in the season. Jeremy Roach has chipped in 11.9 PPG with 3.5 APG while VJ Edgecombe has 14.2 PPG with 5.4 RPG along with 3.2 APG and 2.4 SPG. Jayden Nunn added 10 PPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Baylor up to this point in the year. As a team, Baylor is averaging 79.9 PPG on 46% shooting from the field, 36.5% from behind the arc, and 72.3% from the foul line so far this season.

Why the Baylor Bears will win

• Baylor has won 30 of its last 34 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

BYU Recap

The BYU Cougars come into this game looking to add on to an 80-52 win over Cincinnati last time out to improve to 13-6 on the year as well. After this game, BYU will head on the road to take on UCF.

Cougars Win Back-To-Back Games

Richie Saunders leads BYU in scoring with 14.9 PPG along with 4.1 RPG while Egor Demin has 10.9 PPG with 4.3 RPG and a team-high 5.9 APG to lead the Cougars in assists. Trevin Knell has added 10 PPG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for BYU so far this season while Fousseyni Traore has 9.4 PPG with 6.1 RPG and 1.9 APG. Kanon Catchings has 8.7 PPG with 2.7 RPG, Dawson Baker has 8.5 PPG while Dallin Hall has 6.1 PPG with 3.8 APG. Keba Keita has 6.4 PPG with a team-high 8.4 RPG to lead the Cougars on the glass up to this point in the year. As a team, BYU is averaging 80.4 PPG on 48.2% shooting from the field, 37.1% from three, and 68.6% from the foul line this season.

Why the BYU Cougars will win

• BYU has won 16 of its last 17 games at Marriott Center.

Total Points Facts

• Five of Baylor’s last six night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 138 or fewer points.
• Nine of BYU’s last 10 Tuesday night games against the Big 12 Conference have produced a total of 143+ points.

BYU vs Baylor Prediction

I’m on BYU here. Baylor for me is a bit of a paper 13-6, as they haven’t really been tested and in fairness, I don’t think this team is anything special. The Cougars haven’t had the strongest run in conference play either, but they do play better at home, and they shoot and make a ton of threes, which doesn’t bode well for a Baylor team that struggles to defend the perimeter at the best of times. I think that this is a BYU smash spot here so I’ll roll with the Cougars at home in this one.

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Utah Utes Betting Preview

The Utah Utes are 11-7 (3-4) this year after they lost to Houston by a score of 70-36 in their last game. Utah trailed 41-17 at halftime and only managed 19 points in the second half in the loss. The Utes shot 30.2% from the field, 29.4% on three pointers, and 41.7% on free throws in the game. Gabe Madsen led Utah with eight points and two rebounds, while Keanu Dawes added seven points and nine rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Utes defeated BYU by a score of 73-72 and TCU by a score of 73-65. Utah has won three of their last four games and they are currently tied for eighth in the Big 12 standings. Utah has scored 77.7 points per game and they have allowed 70 points against per game, while also averaging 40.3 rebounds and 19.2 assists per game this season. Gabe Madsen is averaging 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, while Ezra Ausar is averaging 10.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game this year. Utah is shooting 46.2% from the field, 62.4% on free throws, and 34.3% on three pointers this season. 

Baylor Bears Betting Preview

The Baylor Bears are 12-6 (4-3) this season after they defeated Kansas State by a score of 70-62 in their last game. Baylor trailed 30-26 at halftime, but they scored 44 points in the second half in the win. The Bears shot 37.5% from the field, 37.9% on three pointers, and 81% on free throws in the game. VJ Edgecombe led Baylor with 30 points and three assists, while Jalen Celestine added 18 points and seven rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Bears lost to TCU by a score of 74-71 and Arizona by a score of 81-70. Baylor has won three of their last five games and they are currently tied for sixth in the Big 12 standings. Baylor has scored 80.2 points per game and they have allowed 68.2 points against per game, while also averaging 36.8 rebounds and 16.1 assists per game this season. Norchad Omier is averaging 15.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, while VJ Edgecombe is averaging 13.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game this year. Baylor is shooting 46.2% from the field, 71.5% on free throws, and 36.5% on three pointers this season. 

Why Utah will beat Baylor

• Utah has won 26 of its last 29 games at Jon M. Huntsman Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Baylor has lost each of its last four road day games against the Big 12 Conference.
• Baylor has lost the first half in each of its last four road day games against the Big 12 Conference.

Utah vs Baylor Prediction 

Utah comes into this matchup after winning three of their last four games, but they were just blown out by Houston in their last game. The Utes are shooting 46.2% from the field and they are scoring 77.7 points per game this year. Utah’s defensive numbers aren’t great, but they have played decently well on defense in three of their last four games. Baylor has lost two of their last three games and needed a huge second half to avoid a third straight loss in their last game. The Bears have very similar numbers to Utah this season, but they have allowed 74 and 81 points in their last two losses. I really don’t like how Baylor is playing right now, so give me Utah at home. 

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