The Kansas Jayhawks are emerging as one of college basketball’s hottest teams, and they’ll look to take care of business at home against the Utah Utes.
I explain why this game should be over fairly quickly in my Utah vs Kansas predictions and college basketball picks for Saturday, February 7.
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Utah vs Kansas prediction
Utah vs Kansas best bet: Kansas first half -10.5 (-120)
The Kansas Jayhawks pulled out an important win over Texas Tech on Monday and have a massive game against Arizona in just two days.
Sandwiched in between, they must deal with the Utah Utes, who have lost nine of their last 10 games. That shouldn’t be a problem given how bad the Utes have been.
But it raises the question of how much Bill Self will put his starters through. This should be a spot where they take care of business early, get guys like Darryn Peterson rested, and get ready for Monday night.
The Utes rank dead last in Big 12 play in adjusted defensive efficiency, don’t force turnovers, and are allowing opponents to shoot 56% from inside the arc.
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Making matters worse, they’ve hit less than 49% of their efforts from 2-point range in conference play. Utah also struggles on the glass and makes outside shots at the third-lowest clip in the Big 12.
With Kansas big man Flory Bidunga’s elite shot-blocking ability, scoring at the rim will be even tougher.
Kansas is locking teams down defensively, and the offense’s 55.8% effective field goal percentage (eFG%) ranks third in the conference. The Jayhawks get to the line at a high rate, take care of the ball, and have performed much better from long range when playing at home.
Utah vs Kansas same-game parlay
Utah will have its hands full with Darryn Peterson, the outstanding Kansas freshman guard who has averaged 22 ppg in Big 12 play. However, he’s been dealing with severe cramps. With Arizona coming in just two days, this is a spot where his workload is likely to be managed.
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The Under is 5-1 in Kansas’ last six games, and it has also hit in three of Utah’s last four. With the Jayhawks likely pulling starters early and Utah’s inability to make baskets at the rim, we should see those trends continue.
Utah vs Kansas SGP
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Darryn Peterson Under 215 points
Our beyond the arc SGP: Small victories
In line with my expectations for the game flow, this is a spot where the Utes should cover. An 18.5-point spread is fairly high for a Utah team that hasn’t lost by more than 12 points in four of its last five.
Utah vs Kansas SGP
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Darryn Peterson Under 215 points
Utah vs Kansas odds
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Spread: Utah +18.5 (-105) | Kansas -18.5 (-115)
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Moneyline: Utah +1500 | Kansas -5000
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Over/Under: Over 149.5 (-105) | Under 149.5 (-115)
Utah vs Kansas betting trend to know
The Jayhawks are 15-4 against the first-half spread in their last 19 home games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Utah vs. Kansas.
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How to watch Utah vs Kansas
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Location |
Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS |
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Date |
Saturday, February 7, 2026 |
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Tip-off |
2:30 p.m. ET |
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TV |
FOX |
Utah vs Kansas key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
