Main Story

A loaded nonconference slate features several ranked matchups, including Duke–Michigan State and Kansas–Kentucky. The picks favor Duke and Vanderbilt, while Florida State, Texas Tech and Kentucky are backed to cover the spread.

By the Numbers
  • Florida State: +10
  • Duke: -6.5
  • Texas Tech: +1.5
  • Vanderbilt: -15
  • Kentucky: +4.5
Yes, But

Several teams are dealing with key absences. Illinois is without David Mirković and Jake Davis, Texas Tech is missing JT Toppin, Memphis is without Nemanja Popovic, and Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. is out with a broken foot. Those injuries add uncertainty to a slate where depth, defense and experience could decide the biggest games.

State of Play
  • Duke’s depth is seen as a major edge against Michigan State.
  • Texas Tech gets senior Jamichael Stillwell back, while Illinois relies on a young rotation.
  • Vanderbilt’s defense is expected to test a Memphis team missing a key big man.
  • Kentucky’s best path against Kansas is strong 3-point shooting and rebounding.
What's Next

The games will provide an early measure of how ranked teams handle high-level competition—and how well they adapt to injuries and incomplete lineups.

Bottom Line

These picks hinge on matchup edges, not just rankings: Duke’s bench, Vanderbilt’s defense and Kentucky’s shooting stand out, while Florida State and Texas Tech are backed to keep their games within the number.