Kansas vs. #3 Houston Predictions, Picks & Odds Today: CBB on ESPN, 3/3
The Kansas Jayhawks and Houston Cougars are gearing up for an important Big 12 game.
As the postseason gets closer, this matchup is crucial for both teams in terms of their rankings and overall momentum. So, what do we have lined up for our official Kansas vs. #3 Houston picks?
Kansas vs. #3 Houston Predictions Today: Monday, 3/3
These teams met way back on January 25, and the Cougars secured a 92-86 OT victory. This time around, can Kansas’ scoring ability beat Houston’s tough defense, or will the Cougars control the game and stop the Jayhawks?
Let’s take a look at how both teams have been performing as they head into this important matchup, analyzing our top Kansas vs. #3 Houston predictions in the process.
Kansas Jayhawks: Searching For Consistency
Kansas has displayed some amazing talent this season, but they’ve had trouble being consistent, especially when playing away from home.
The Jayhawks score an average of 75.8 points each game, thanks to their standout center Hunter Dickinson (16.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game) and guard Zeke Mayo (14.0 points and 39.0% from three-point range). Their overall shooting percentage of 47.4% makes them a dangerous team, but they’ve lost some key games due to defensive mistakes.
Houston Cougars: Dominance Through Defense
Houston has found success through their tough defense, allowing only 58.0 points per game, which is the best in the country. The Cougars are great at forcing opponents to take bad shots, limiting them to 38.2% shooting overall and just 31.4% from beyond the arc.
Their strong rebounding (25.9 rebounds per game, ranking 4th nationally) and high defensive energy make them a challenging opponent for anyone.
Kansas vs. #3 Houston Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
DraftKings Sportsbook shared the Kansas vs. #3 Houston odds and betting lines for the game when it was announced, and here’s how they currently look:
- Kansas Jayhawks (+410) vs. Houston Cougars (-550)
- Spread: Kansas +9.5 (-108) vs. Houston -9.5 (-112)
- Game Total: Over 131.5 (-115) vs. Under 131.5 (-105)
Kansas vs. #3 Houston Player Props: Hunter Dickinson 9+ Rebounds (-115 at DraftKings)
Today’s Kansas vs. #3 Houston predictions focus on Hunter Dickinson, who’s established himself as a formidable presence on the boards this season, averaging 9.8 rebounds per game. In his recent performances, he has consistently exceeded the 8.5-rebound threshold, notably pulling down 14 rebounds against BYU on February 18 and 13 against Colorado on February 24.
The upcoming challenge against the Houston Cougars, known for their aggressive defensive approach and strong rebounding, will test his skills. Houston averages 36.8 rebounds per game, boasting a +6.2-rebounding margin over their opponents. However, the key players for the Cougars include forwards J'Wan Roberts and Joseph Tugler, both measuring at just 6'8".
Despite Houston's rebounding prowess, Dickinson's consistent performance and size advantage position him favorably to secure more than 8.5 rebounds (-115 at DraftKings) in this matchup. His ability to control the boards, even against tough competition, makes this a promising play for our Kansas vs. #3 Houston predictions today.
Kansas vs. #3 Houston Injury Report & Starting Lineup
Kansas Jayhawks Injury Report
- S. Moore (G) – Out (Foot)
- Z. Clemence (F) – Out (Groin)
- J. McDowell (G) – Out (Redshirt)
- N. Shelby (G) – Out (Undisclosed)
- E. Jackson (G) – Out (Knee)
Kansas Jayhawks Projected Starters
- K. Adams (F) – (8.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG)
- D. Harris (G) – (9.3 PPG, 5.8 APG)
- H. Dickinson (C) – (16.9 PPG, 9.8 RPG)
- Z. Mayo (G) – (14 PPG, 4.8 RPG)
- R. Griffen (G) – (7 PPG, 36.8% 3PT%)
Houston Cougars Injury Report
- R. Walker (G) – Out (Hand)
- J. McFarland (C) – Out (Leg)
Houston Cougars Projected Starters
- J. Roberts (F) – (11.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG)
- L. Cryer (G) – (14.8 PPG, 41.3% 3PT%)
- E. Sharp (G) – (11.8 PPG, 42.3% 3PT%)
- M. Uzan (G) – (10.9 PPG, 4.6 APG)
- J. Tugler (F) – (5.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG)
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Player News
Dolphins signed No. 13 overall pick DT Kenneth Grant to a four-year contract.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Grant will sign his contract today. The former Michigan defensive tackle is expected to fill a major void left by Christian Wilkins, who left for the Raiders in the 2024 offseason. Grant totaled 32 tackles, three sacks, and seven TFLs in his final season at Michigan and excelled at stopping the run while also generating 27 pressures in his final season, per PFF.
Daulton Varsho picked up three hits, three RBI and a homer in a win over the Angels on Thursday.
Varsho has only played in seven games this year, but they’ve been seven good ones. He’s homered three times already, and his slugging percentage is a remarkable — and entirely unsustainable — .727 over 22 at-bats. Varsho has been a mediocre offensive player in his two seasons with the Blue Jays, but it’s possible at the age of 28 he’s having a breakout campaign. Far from a guarantee, but possible.
Taylor Ward hit a two-run homer in a loss to the Blue Jays on Thursday.
Ward, 31, gave the Angels a 2-0 lead with a two-run homer off Chris Bassitt in the first inning. He’s now gone deep in two of his last three games, and it ‘improves’ his slash to .181/.224/.391. Ward has been one of the most hot/cold players players in the sport over the last few years, so fantasy managers who can afford to make some roster moves may want to look at Ward while the going is good.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. picked up three hits and scored twice in an 8-5 win over the Angels on Thursday.
Guerrero also drew a walk. It gives the first baseman multiple hits in back-to-back games, and it’s the third time in May that he’s reached that mark. That’s helped raise his average from .268 to .295, and the only thing fantasy managers can be disappointed with is his .432 slugging percentage. That number should continue to climb as the season unfolds, but Vladdy Jr. has had some inconsistent seasons when it comes to power production.
Chad Green picked up his first save of 2025 with a scoreless ninth against the Angels on Thursday.
Green got the save after Jeff Hoffman worked in back-to-back games — and struggled — in the first two contests against the Angels. He struck out two and looked the part while needing just nine pitches to get through the inning. Hoffman should remain the closer, but Green is on his tail if the struggles were to continue.
Chris Bassitt allowed five runs — four earned — while working six-plus innings against the Angels on Thursday while picking up a win.
Bassitt allowed three runs over the first two innings on a pair of homers, but settled down over his next four frames. He came out to work the seventh, but ended up being charged for two more runs after leaving the contest. The 36-year-old veteran has forged a 3.35 ERA and outstanding 49/8 K/BB ratio over the first quarter of the season, but this wasn’t him at his best. He’ll get the Rays next week if the rotation order stays the same for Toronto.