The Houston Cougars may be without two of their star players this season but that hasn't stopped them from going 21-4 this year.
Today, Houston will travel to an underwhelming Wichita State Shockers team that is just 4-7 in conference play this season.
Can the Cougars cover a decent size spread, on the road? Here are our picks and predictions for the AAC matchup between Houston and Witchita State.
Houston vs Wichita State odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.
The Houston Cougars opened as a 6.5-point favorite but are now as high as -7.5 at multiple outlets. The total, however, has started to dip since opening at 133. You can now find 132.5 at most sportsbooks.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until tip-off and be sure to check out the full college basketball odds before placing your bets.
Houston vs Wichita State predictions
Predictions made on 2/20/2022 at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Houston vs Wichita State game info
• Location: Charles Koch Arena, Wichita, KS
• Date: Sunday, February 20, 2022
• Tip-off: 1:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN
Houston at Wichita State betting preview
Injuries
Houston: Tramon Mark G (Out), Marcus Sasser G (Out).
Wichita State: No injuries to report.
Find our latest NCAA basketball injury reports.
Betting trend to know
Wichita State is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games against teams with winning records. Find more NCAA betting trends for Houston vs. Wichita State.
Houston vs Wichita State picks and predictions
Our predictions are compiled from the analysis of the spread and total and are indications of where we are leaning for this game.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this game, which we would actually put some of our bankroll behind.
Spread analysis
Currently, even without Tramon Mark and Marcus Sasser, Houston is a dangerous team that could make a massive run in the NCAA Tournament.
Right now, Houston ranks inside the Top 20 both offensively and defensively via KenPom and that doesn’t look to be changing any time soon.
The Cougars are shooting an effective field goal percentage of 53.8% while knocking down 34.8% from deep and 54.8% from inside the arc.
On top of that, this offense is grabbing 37.2% offensive rebounds and only turning the ball over 17% of the time. Foul shooting has been the only area of concern for the Cougars, as they’re hitting just 66.1% of shots. Houston also doesn’t get to the line at a very high rate either.
Meanwhile, to its credit, Wichita State’s defense has been solid this season. The Shockers are allowing just a 46.9% effective field goal percentage while earning nearly 21% of turnovers.
The Shockers have held opponents to 31.8% from deep and 46.5% from inside the arc but should struggle a bit on the defensive glass going up against Houston.
Earlier this season, Houston defeated Wichita State, 76-66, at home, after holding Wichita State to just 26.1% from deep and 50% from inside the arc.
In that game, neither team shot the ball well, but Houston earned more offensive rebounds and second chances in that game. Ultimately, that led to Houston pulling away and securing the win.
The Shockers have not been good offensively. Wichita State is shooting a 47.1% effective field goal percentage while only hitting 32.4% from deep and 45.9% from inside.
Houston is holding opponents to a 42.9% effective field goal percentage while earning nearly 23% of turnovers. Opponents are shooting just 29.4% from deep and 42% from inside against Houston.
Open looks and good shots will be hard to come by for the Shockers and in the end will allow Houston to pull away once again, even on the road.
Prediction: Houston -7 (-110)
Over/Under analysis
Wichita State is only averaging 68.6 points per game. Against Houston, I’d be surprised if the Shockers were anywhere close to 70 points. The Shockers are a bottom-tier offense in the AAC going up against the best defense the AAC has to offer.
But on the other hand, the Shockers have been spectacular on the defensive end too. Wichita State has been above average in almost every category on the defensive end and Houston will play in the half-court for most of the game on the offensive end.
I’ll take the Under 132.5 here.
Prediction: Under 132.5 (-110)
Best bet
Not only is Houston holding opponents to 58 points per game, but the offense is averaging over 76 points per game.
Houston is one of the most complete teams in college basketball and they’re doing it without two of their stars, who are out for the year with injuries.
This is a well-coached team with a defense that travels well. Back them on the road in this spot.
Pick: Houston -7 (-110)
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