Kansas Jayhawks vs. Arizona Wildcats Picks and Prediction for Saturday, February 28, 2026

By: Jake Allman Published 02/28/2026, 02:45 AM ET
Use Code PPWC

The No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks head to Tucson to face the No. 2 Arizona Wildcats at 4:00 PM ET on ESPN in a major Big 12 showdown. Arizona sits at 26-2 overall and 13-2 in conference play, while Kansas comes in at 21-7 and 11-4 in the league. DraftKings lists Arizona as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 146.5, and ESPN’s matchup predictor gives the Wildcats an 81.1 percent win probability. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Kansas Preview

Kansas enters after a 69-56 win over Houston and already owns an 82-78 win over Arizona on February 9. Bill Self’s group averages 76.6 points per game while allowing 68.2. Flory Bidunga anchors the interior with 14.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 65.6 percent from the field. Darryn Peterson adds 19.5 points on 47.2 percent shooting and 40.5 percent from three, giving Kansas perimeter balance. The Jayhawks shoot 46.9 percent as a team and grab 38.5 rebounds per game, but turnovers sit at 10.6 per contest, which becomes critical against Arizona’s pressure.

Arizona Preview

Arizona has been dominant offensively, scoring 87.2 points per game on 50.3 percent shooting. Brayden Burries leads with 15.5 points per game, while Jaden Bradley contributes 13.9 points and 4.7 assists. Tobe Awaka controls the glass with 9.6 rebounds, and Arizona averages 43.2 boards as a team. The Wildcats also force activity defensively with 8.1 steals per game and hold opponents to 68.9 points. Tommy Lloyd’s squad has won three straight, including road victories at Baylor and Houston, showing toughness away from McKale Memorial Center.

Arizona vs Kansas Prediction

The matchup comes down to tempo and efficiency. Arizona averages over 10 more points per game and shoots over 50 percent from the field, while Kansas relies more on half-court execution and interior scoring. Kansas won the first meeting by four, but Arizona’s rebounding edge of nearly five boards per game could swing the rematch at home.

Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers

Subscribe Now

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that Picks And Parlays may use third-party services to process my data.

Arizona’s offensive efficiency and depth give the Wildcats the edge in Tucson. Kansas keeps it competitive behind Bidunga and Peterson, but Arizona’s pace and scoring balance create separation late.

Pick: Arizona -8.5 Final Score Prediction: Arizona 82, Kansas 72

Betting on College Basketball?

BetMGM Sport

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Recommended BetMGM Sport Bonus
Min. Deposit $5
Cashable No
FanDuel Sportsbook

New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Hot Offer FanDuel Sportsbook Bonus
Requirement New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)
Cashable No
DraftKings Sport

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Hot Offer DraftKings Sport Bonus
Min. Deposit $5
Odds Requirements -500
Cashable No
Video: World Cup: Mexico vs England BEST Bets & Predictions | July 5, 2026
World Cup: Mexico vs England BEST Bets & Predictions | July 5, 2026
Video: Brazil vs Norway: The Bet You AREN'T Thinking Of! | BEST World Cup Predictions | July 5, 2026
Brazil vs Norway: The Bet You AREN'T Thinking Of! | BEST World Cup Predictions | July 5, 2026

Best Picks:

  • Arizona -8.5
  • Under 146.5
logo

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN). 21+ (18+ WY). AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. T&C's Apply. Void where prohibited. If you click on a link on this site which takes you to a bookmaker or casino and you subsequently open an account, Pick and Parlays may receive a commission. Bets placed are the responsibility of the bettor.

Copyright © 2026 Picks and Parlays. All rights reserved.

The sports news and information contained at this site is for entertainment purposes only. Any use of this information in violation of laws whether they are federal, state and/or local is prohibited. Picks and Parlays is the nation's premier resource for sports betting and handicapping information.

Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Special Offer
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Play now Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.