Kansas Jayhawks (9-1) vs. Indiana Hoosiers (7-2)
Kansas vs. Indiana 12/16/23 – As the winter chill sets in, the heat of college basketball is turning up with a compelling matchup between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Indiana Hoosiers. Scheduled for Saturday, this game is already drawing attention from fans and bettors alike, keen for free NCAAB picks. The Jayhawks, with an impressive 9-1 record, are set to face the Hoosiers, who boast a respectable 7-2 standing, at the iconic Assembly Hall. This encounter promises to be a highlight in the NCAA Men’s Basketball season, showcasing two of the most dynamic teams in the league.
The Jayhawks have impressed so far, with their lone loss coming against a tough Tennessee team. Led by center Hunter Dickinson’s 19.4 points per game, Kansas looks poised to make another deep tournament run. Kansas comes in averaging nearly 80 points per game behind Dickinson and the best field goal percentage in college basketball. Their size and dominance on the glass also manifests in nearly 40 rebounds per game.
The Hoosiers meanwhile have dropped games to Xavier and Arizona but have the talent to challenge elite teams. Center Kel’el Ware leads the charge with 16.7 points per contest. For Indiana, their offense runs through Ware’s versatility and guardplay. They crash the boards well but have struggled from three point range, an area Kansas could exploit. Ultimately, the difference could come down to backcourt play and perimeter shooting.
Kansas vs. Indiana 12/16/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 12:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Assembly Hall |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Hunter Dickinson (Center) vs. Kel’el Ware (Center)
Hunter Dickinson has been nothing short of spectacular this season for Kansas. Over 10 games he’s averaged 31.3 minutes while contributing 19.4 points and 12.6 rebounds per game while his 1.3 blocks per game not only solidified their defense but demoralized opponents as well as his impressive shooting efficiency with 63% field goal percentage and 57% three point percentage shooting efficiency compared to Indiana. Though, his 1.8 turnovers per game could pose potential vulnerabilities which Indiana can capitalize on.
Kel’el Ware, Indiana’s center powerhouse, offers his own impressive stats in 9 games: He averaged 30.7 minutes while scoring 16.7 points and grabbing 9.2 rebounds each time out; his 1.4 blocks per game edge out Dickinson’s; field goal percentage stands at 60.4%, though 3-point shooting only reached 50% of that mark; all this makes Ware an intriguing matchup against Dickinson’s prowess.
When Dickinson and Ware meet on the court, their matchup promises to be an intense contest between tactical offense and resilient defense. His superior scoring and rebounding might give Kansas an edge; however, Ware’s abilities cannot be discounted and this head-to-head battle could determine the course of the game.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are eagerly awaited by fans and bettors. Given the teams’ current form and standings, predictions and betting strategies are already being formulated.
Kansas dominates the glass and shoots efficiently behind center Hunter Dickinson. However they have gone under the total in 20 of their last 35 contests. The Jayhawks also frequently hit the first half over as they start hot from the field before cooling off. Backing Kansas’ team total over or first half over in close games seem to be profitable trends.
Indiana Hoosiers Betting Trends
The Hoosiers crash the offensive boards well and score just enough to hit overs, especially in the first half and at home. However, their inconsistent three point shooting and turnover issues have led them to stay under the team total more often than not. Targeting Indiana’s first half over at Assembly Hall looks sharper than playing their game over.
Kansas JayhawksKansas Jayhawks vs. Indiana Hoosiers 12/16/23 Betting Picks
This Big Ten/Big 12 clash features College Basketball heavyweights and NBA prospects. Getting points with a strong Indiana squad at home provides betting value. The Hoosiers’ frontcourt matches up well enough to keep games close and they play up in big games. The under also holds value given both teams’ pace and defensive identity. For props, backing Ware’s point total or Dickinson’s rebound total seem wise. In a coin flip game between ranked teams, trust the home side catching points.
Best handicapper insights direct bettors to the live home underdog. Back Indiana plus the points in a toss-up affair that stays under the lofty total.
Free Pick and Prediction: Kansas Jayhawks 72, Indiana Hoosiers 70