Duke, Texas Tech favored in Tuesday’s college basketball picks

A crowded nonconference schedule on November 10 includes No. 1 Florida visiting Florida State, No. 2 Duke facing No. 5 Michigan State and No. 15 Kansas meeting No. 24 Kentucky in the Champions Classic. No. 3 Illinois also travels to play No. 16 Texas Tech, while Memphis visits No. 22 Vanderbilt in Nashville.

The picks lean toward Duke, with the preview pointing to its frontcourt strength and depth as advantages against Michigan State. Florida State is picked to stay within 10 points at home against Florida, despite the Gators’ status as the top-ranked team.

Texas Tech is the selection to cover against Illinois. Both teams are missing key players, and Illinois has several freshmen in its rotation. The preview sees the Red Raiders’ experienced guards as a possible challenge for Illinois’ defense, while noting the Illini’s pace and offensive options.

Memphis arrives at Vanderbilt after opening the season 2-0, including an upset of Iowa State. But the pick favors Vanderbilt, whose defense is expected to test Memphis point guard Jayden Reid. Memphis is also without big man Nemanja Popovic for the next four games.

The schedule also includes Florida State’s bid to keep the Florida matchup close and the late-night Kansas-Kentucky game. The available predictions do not specify a pick for that matchup.