CBB fans – rejoice! We’re in for an exciting time with our college basketball predictions highlighting two major matchups on the horizon. In the Vegas Showdown, No. 11 Duke will take on No. 1 Kansas, featuring two storied programs with championship aspirations.

At the same time, the Players Era Festival will showcase a unique clash as the Houston Cougars meet the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Players Era Festival adds excitement with its innovative NIL structure, making this game a highlight during Feast Week.

These matchups are more than just entertainment; they provide fans with a look at the season's leading contenders and possible March Madness narratives. The stakes are high, and the action is sure to be thrilling. So, let’s break down our college basketball picks for today!

 

 

 

College Basketball Predictions & Overview Today, 11/26

The Blue Devils come into this game with confidence after a strong win against Arizona, highlighted by Cooper Flagg’s impressive 24 points. Duke has a powerful offense, averaging over 84 points per game, but they will face a tough challenge from Kansas.

The Jayhawks, led by Hunter Dickinson’s scoring and strong rebounding, have also been strong, winning five games in a row and showing depth from their bench. With both teams aiming for deep runs in the tournament, this matchup carries significant importance early in the season.

In Las Vegas, Houston’s elite defense will go up against Alabama’s aggressive offense. The Cougars have limited opponents to no more than 75 points in regulation since February, while Alabama has scored over 100 points in 11 games since last season. This sets up for some interesting college basketball predictions!

 

 

 

#11 Duke vs. #1 Kansas Predictions & Picks

The under 148.5 (-110 at DraftKings) is my play for college basketball predictions regarding the Duke vs. Kansas game. Duke allows only 57.4 points per game, ranking 12th in the nation, and their opponents shoot just 34.7% from the field.

Kansas is close behind, giving up 67.6 points per game and holding opponents to 39.2% shooting. Neither team plays very fast, as Duke focuses on organized offensive plays, with Flagg and Kyle Knueppel leading the way, but their games tend to slow down against top teams, as shown in their 69-55 win over Arizona.

Kansas, with Hunter Dickinson, uses a balanced attack but relies on defense for victories, with four out of five games this season going under the total. Additionally, both teams struggle with three-point shooting – Duke at 37.0% and Kansas at 34.3% – which may limit big scoring runs.

Considering their defensive strategies, slower pace, and recent trends favoring the under, this matchup is likely to be a close, low-scoring game where every possession matters.

 

 

 

#6 Houston vs. #9 Alabama Predictions & Picks

Capping off today’s college basketball predictions, I believe the Houston Cougars are in a strong position to cover the -4 spread (-112 at DraftKings) against Alabama. Houston's defense is impressive, ranking third in the nation by allowing only 53.0 points per game and limiting opponents to 36.2% shooting.

In contrast, Alabama gives up 74.2 points per game, placing them 251st nationally, which should create clear advantages for the Cougars. Offensively, Houston excels with the best three-point shooting percentage at 48.8% and a solid rebounding average of 47.3 boards per game, ranking fifth overall.

Their dominance on the boards, especially offensively, stands out against Alabama's weak rebounding defense, which ranks 227th. Guard Emanuel Sharp's excellent shooting (73.3% from three) and J'Wan Roberts' strong inside presence should be able to challenge Alabama's defense, which has had trouble with efficient teams. 

Although Alabama scores well (89.6 points per game), their poor three-point shooting (30.8%) and defensive weaknesses offer chances for Houston to exploit. The Cougars' balanced strategy and ability to control the game's pace give them a clear advantage in this one.

 

 

 

College Basketball Odds & Betting Lines Today

With our college basketball picks for today now out of the way, here’s a look at the betting lines for those aforementioned matchups:

  • Duke Blue Devils (+130) vs. Kansas Jayhawks (-155)
    • Spread: Duke +2.5 (-105) vs. Kansas -2.5 (-115)
    • Game Total: Over 148.5 (-110) vs. Under 148.5 (-110)
  • Houston Cougars (-185) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (+154)
    • Spread: Houston -4 (-112) vs. Alabama +4 (-108)
    • Game Total: Over 149.5 (-112) vs. Under 149.5 (-108)

These college basketball odds are presented by DraftKings Sportsbook!

 

 

 

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