Syracuse vs. Kansas, Odds, Picks and Prediction, Tuesday Nov. 25, 2025
Use Code WWWC It’s an early-season battle between two national programs loaded with tradition as the Kansas Jayhawks (3-2) take on the Syracuse Orange on Tuesday afternoon in a neutral-site matchup at the MGM Grand Garden Arena as part of the Players Era Festival. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. EST on TNT.
This will be a back-to-back for both squads, as Syracuse faced Houston on Monday night and Kansas played Notre Dame. Neither game had concluded at the time of this preview.
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Kiyan carrying on his father's legacy
Syracuse is in its third season under head coach Adrian Autry and looking to end a four-year NCAA Tournament drought. The Orange opened with four straight wins, but things are about to get real with Houston on Monday, Kansas here, and Tennessee up next on December 2. So far, they’ve handled business against the lower-tier teams, beating Binghamton 85–47, Delaware State 83–43, and Drexel 80–50. Their only scare came last time out, slipping by Monmouth 78–73.
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Donnie Freeman, a 6'9 sophomore and returning starter, leads the team with 17.8 points per game and is second in rebounding at 5.3. He was listed as questionable on Monday, which is something to monitor. True freshman Kiyan Anthony—yes, Carmelo’s son—is second in scoring at 14.8 ppg on an impressive 54.8% shooting. William Kyle III leads the team with 8.8 rebounds per game and adds 9.8 points.
Despite the 4–0 start, Syracuse still has a lot to prove. They rank 61st overall on KenPom, with the 63rd-rated defense and 68th-rated offensive efficiency.
Key Injuries for Syracuse:
- F D. Freeman (foot) is doubtful. Missed the Houston game on Monday.
Facing adversity early
Kansas went 21–13 last season and was bounced by Arkansas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Bill Self enters his 22nd season in Lawrence with an 838–257 career record (611–149 at Kansas).
The Jayhawks have something to prove in Las Vegas. Through five games, they’ve blown out the teams they were supposed to beat, but suffered double-digit losses to formidable competition. Their wins came against Green Bay (90–54), Texas A&M–Corpus Christi (77–46), and Princeton (76–57). Their losses were 87–74 to North Carolina and 78–66 to Duke.
Kansas sits 29th on KenPom, ranking 14th in adjusted defensive efficiency, 58th on offense, and 225th in adjusted tempo. They’ve already taken an early hit with freshman standout Darryn Peterson ruled out for Vegas. The guard from Canton, Ohio, averaged 21.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals through his first two games. Sophomore forward Flory Bidunga is off to a strong start with 16.4 points and 7.4 rebounds on 75% shooting, and Illinois transfer Tre White has added 14 points per game.
Key Injuries for Kansas:
- F Darryn Peterson (hamstring) is out. Leading scorer.
Syracuse Orange vs Kansas Jayhawks Predictions
Syracuse vs Kansas ATS Pick:
- Kansas -4.5 (4 units)
This is a tough turnaround for both teams, but Syracuse is in the tougher spot. Kansas played at 3:30 p.m. EST on Monday against Notre Dame, but Syracuse had a later, more physically demanding matchup against Houston. That game alone could leave the Orange more fatigued. They also haven’t faced a team anywhere near Kansas’ caliber yet, so the jump in class is significant. Whereas Kansas has already played North Carolina and Duke. Also, if Syracuse's top player Donnie Freeman, isn’t 100%, the back-to-back will hit even harder. I have to lean on Kansas to cover.
Syracuse vs Kansas Total Pick:
- Over 147.5 (4 units)
With both teams playing with less than 24 hours rest, but on the same floor for consecutive days, I expect to see the shooters and offense in rhythm, but defensive fatigue. Add in the early tip time, the national TV spotlight on TNT, and the hype around Kiyan Anthony in a marquee matchup—this sets up as a game where both sides look to put on a show. I’m leaning toward the over.
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