Kentucky vs. Kansas prediction, props: Tyran Stokes to put on show in Champions Classic

No. 24 Kentucky face No. 15 Kansas in the Champions Classic, with Kansas favoured by 4.5 points. The game matters as an early test between two leading college basketball programmes, and Kansas will be without guard Melvin Council Jr. after he broke a bone in his foot.

The article expects freshman Tyran Stokes to take on a larger role in Council’s absence, including helping run the offence. Stokes scored 27 points, collected eight rebounds and made seven assists in an exhibition against Duke, though he has not taken more than seven shots in either of his first two regular-season games. The recommended bet is Stokes to reach at least 17 combined points and assists; the total is around 158.5 points.