Kansas vs Tennessee Picks, Predictions, Odds & Betting Lines

• Kansas enters as +4.5 underdogs against undefeated Tennessee
• I am betting over 138.5 total, backed by Tennessee’s explosive backcourt duo of Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Nate Ament averaging a combined 37.2 PPG
• Check out my Kansas vs Tennessee picks and predictions, plus the latest KU vs TENN odds, betting lines, and splits for Nov 26 in Las Vegas

Two powerhouse programs collide under the Las Vegas lights as the undefeated #17 Tennessee Volunteers (7-0, 3-4 ATS, 5-2 O/U) square off against the Kansas Jayhawks (5-2, 4-3 ATS, 1-6 O/U) in a marquee neutral-site battle which doubles as the third-place game in the Players Era Championship. Tennessee enters this Players Era Festival clash with a perfect 7-0 record and sitting at no. 10 in the KenPom ratings, establishing themselves as the betting favorite against 19th-rated Kansas.

This early-season showcase tips off November 26 at 7:00 pm ET from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, with TNT providing national television coverage. Below, I have set out (1) the updated Kansas vs Tennessee odds, (2) my favorite Kansas vs Tennessee picks, and (3) the KU vs TENN betting splits.

Jump to: ODDS || PICKS || BETTING SPLITS

Kansas vs Tennessee Odds & Betting Lines

The Volunteers are currently 5.0 to 5.5-point favorites over the Jayhawks. Bet365 has the best Tennessee ATS price at -5.0 (-115) while Caesars has the best Kansas ATS price at +5.5 (-110). On the moneyline, the best odds on a Kansas upset are +202 at FanDuel (% implied win probability). The longest odds on a Tennessee win are -218 at DraftKings (% implied win probability).

The total ranges from 138.5 to 139.5. Bet365 has the best number for over bettors (ov 138.5 at -110). BetMGM has the best number for under bettors (un 139.5 at -110).

Odds commentary as of 12:41 pm ET. The odds in the table will update automatically with the best-available price for each market if the lines move before tip-off. Bookmark SBD’s college basketball odds page to see the best lines for every game this season.

Expert Picks & Predictions: Kansas vs Tennessee Best Bets

I am backing the underdog Jayhawks against Tennessee’s unblemished record, at least to cover the spread in this neutral-court clash.

Best Bet Against the Spread: Kansas +5.5 (-105) at Caesars

The market is overvaluing Tennessee’s perfect record while underestimating Kansas’s ability to exploit a critical mismatch in the paint. Flory Bidunga presents the biggest X-factor in this contest, averaging 16.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game on an elite 69.0% field-goal percentage. His 18 total blocks rank tied for 10th nationally, creating a defensive anchor Tennessee hasn’t encountered this season.

Kansas also benefits from balanced scoring depth beyond Bidunga. Tre White contributes 14.4 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting an impressive 52.6% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range. The Jayhawks’ 6.3 blocks per game (compared to Tennessee’s 3.7) suggests they can alter shot selection and force the Volunteers into difficult looks. Even without freshman sensation Darryn Peterson (21.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.0 APG), KU has shows it can hang with elite teams.

Situational trends favor the underdog as well. Kansas is 4-1 ATS in their last five games as underdogs of 3+ points, while Tennessee is just 2-4 ATS in their last six games as favorites. Getting more than two possessions with a team that has shown they can hang with elite competition provides excellent value.

Game-Total Pick: Over 138.5 (-110) at bet365

Both offenses possess the firepower to push this total beyond the number. Tennessee’s backcourt duo of Ja’Kobi Gillespie (19.6 PPG, 5.4 APG) and Nate Ament (17.6 PPG) combines for over 37 points per contest while maintaining elite efficiency. The Volunteers also get hyper-productive bench scoring from J.P. Estrella, who averages 12.3 points on a staggering 71.7% field goal percentage.

Kansas counters with their own offensive weapons. Beyond Bidunga’s interior dominance, Melvin Council Jr adds 9.9 points and 5.4 assists, while Bryson Tiller contributes 10.0 points per game. The pace should favor scoring as both teams rank in the top half nationally in possessions per game.

Games involving teams with combined scoring averages above 160 points have gone over the total at a 64% clip this season when played on neutral courts. The total has already moved down from its 140.5 opener, creating additional value on the over.

Best Player Prop: Flory Bidunga Over 9.5 Rebounds (+104) at FanDuel

Bidunga averages 8.57 rebounds per game, including 6.29 defensive boards and 2.29 offensive rebounds. His motor and positioning allow him to dominate the glass against smaller lineups, and Tennessee’s frontcourt lacks the size to neutralize his rebounding impact.

The sophomore has recorded 9+ rebounds in four of his last six games, including double-digit efforts against quality opponents. In neutral-site games this season, big men averaging 8+ rebounds have exceeded their season averages 67% of the time due to increased shot volume and rebounding opportunities.

KU vs TENN Public-Betting Splits

This section will be updated when data becomes available for Kansas vs Tennessee in our college basketball public betting splits.

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