North Dakota State vs Kansas Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
Prepping for Champions Classic
The No. 5 Kansas Jayhawks will play host to the North Dakota State Bison on Thursday night. Kansas (1-0) will be looking to fine-tune its game ahead of Tuesday’s Champions Classic against No. 7 Duke. North Dakota State (0-1) comes off a 76-58 loss against No. 10 Arkansas. Will the Bison keep it close?
Let’s check the latest college basketball odds, stats, injury reports, and college basketball lines for North Dakota State vs Kansas. We’ve got plenty of NCAA basketball odds for you to consider.
North Dakota State Leaning on Returning Starter
Last season, the North Dakota State Bison was a dangerous mid-major team, finishing with a 23-10 record. However, the Bison could not beat the Summit League champions, South Dakota State, who finished 18-0 in conference play. NDSU hopes to make a March Madness appearance this season. After losing several key contributors, it will be a tall task.
The Bison are replacing four of their five top scorers from last season. Forward Rocky Kreuser was the most significant loss as he led North Dakota State in scoring and rebounding. Third-year 6-foot-11 forward Grant Nelson returns the most production (11.6 points). Nelson opened the 2022 season with a 17-point outing against Arkansas. With most of its roster stepping into new starting roles, North Dakota State needs Nelson to be the star of the show.
Against the Razorbacks on Monday, the Bison had a rough offensive night shooting 33.9% from the floor and making only 5 of 21 3-point attempts. NDSU got to the free throw line often with 23 attempts, yet it managed only 58 points. North Dakota State needs better ball movement and improved perimeter defense.
Kansas Replacing Title Experience
After winning the national championship, Kansas lost a lot of production. Among the Jayhawks’ five leading scorers, forward Jalen Wilson is the sole returning player. Kansas will need time to grow, with many players stepping into new roles. To make matters worse, coach Bill Self will be serving a four-game suspension to start the season due to a past infractions case.
Wilson and guard Dajuan Harris Jr. are, by far, the Kansas Jayhawks‘ most experienced players. Both averaged 29 minutes last season. Wilson is capable of becoming Kansas’ lead scorer. He was excellent in the season-opener against Omaha, posting 19 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Harris is known as a passer, but he must score more often.
Against Omaha, Kansas witnessed the birth of a potential star. In his debut, five-star freshman Gradey Dick totaled 23 points while shooting 9 of 13 from the field and 4 of 6 on 3-pointers.
Gradey Dick is going to be very good for Kansas, he won’t be there long pic.twitter.com/HzA925bFMY
— Pistons Draft talk (@happypistonfan) November 4, 2022
Many expect Dick to be a knockdown shooter. With a polished offensive game and impressive athleticism, the five-star freshman proved he is more than just a shooter. If Dick can be a consistent scoring presence, the Jayhawks will contend for another national title.
North Dakota State vs Kansas Game Injuries
North Dakota State vs Kansas Head-to-Head
North Dakota State and Kansas have met twice. The Jayhawks are 2-0 in the series, but the Bison have kept it close. In 2020, North Dakota State nearly pulled off an upset with a four-point loss.
North Dakota State vs Kansas Game Information
- Game: North Dakota State vs No. 5 Kansas
- Location: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS
- Day/Time: Thursday, Nov. 10th, 8 p.m. ET
- North Dakota State vs Kansas Live Stream: TBS.com
North Dakota State vs Kansas Betting Lines
| Team | Point Spread | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| North Dakota State |
+24 -110
|
O146 -110 | O61 -115
U61 -115 |
|
| Kansas |
-24 -110
|
U146 -110 | O85 -115
U85 -115 |
The odds in this chart are based on the time of publication. They are subject to change.
North Dakota State vs Kansas Picks & Prediction
North Dakota State will be a challenge in the frontcourt with 6-foot-11 Nelson and 6-foot-10 Andrew Morgan. Kansas will likely deploy taller rotations, including 6-foot-10 Zach Clemence and 6-foot-11 Zuby Ejiofor.
Ultimately, the Bison do not have enough size and length on the perimeter. Wilson and Dick are poised for huge performances. The Jayhawks will cover with a lopsided win.
