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Duke vs. Kansas odds, prediction: How to bet and watch online

ByMike Phillips|
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates a three point basket against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates a three point basket against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The Champions Classic brings together two of the nation’s most storied programs as Duke and Kansas kick off the season in the world’s most famous arena.

There is no bigger spectacle at the start of the college basketball season than the Champions Classic, which brings together four of the sport’s most accomplished programs at the beginning of every year. While Kentucky and Michigan State, a battle of the nation’s top two teams in the polls, is drawing all the headlines the matchup between Duke and Kansas is no mere undercard.

Kansas is ranked No. 3 in the preseason polls and they are a legitimate title threat after seeing their Big 12 regular-season title streak come to an end last year. Udoka Azubuike is back from injury for Kansas, and he should team with Devon Dotson to form the core of the latest great Jayhawks squad.

While we have a reasonable idea of what Kansas’ finished product will look like, the same can’t be said for Duke, which is rolling out its latest crop of fabulous freshmen. While Zion Williamson and friends are off in the NBA, Duke will benefit from the return of sophomore Tre Jones, who will man the point and help ease the transition for Vernon Carey, Matthew Hurt, and the rest of Duke’s freshmen class.

The marquee matchup in this game will be the showdown between the lead guards, Dotson and Jones. Each has a different style, with Dotson putting the ball in the bucket at will while Jones is the glue for Duke’s dynamic lineup. The Champions Classic was where Zion and his teammates made their big debut, shocking Kentucky with their athleticism, so it will be worth watching to see if any of Duke’s freshmen have that kind of immediate impact.

How to watch Duke vs. Kansas

  • Date: Tuesday, Nov. 5
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Location: New York, NY
  • Venue: Madison Square Garden
  • TV: ESPN
  • Live Stream: WatchESPN
  • Odds: Duke -2 (The Action Network)
  • Prediction: Kansas

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