Champions Classic 2014: Teams, Schedule, Matchups, Live Stream, TV Info

The Champions Classic has become an NBA scout's dream, as some of the most talented players in college basketball share the same floor in an exciting set of games.

While the sport might be lacking household names coming into the year, it will be hard not to be impressed watching some of the players in action between Duke, Michigan State, Kentucky and Kansas. These squads also represent three of the Top Five from the preseason rankings.

Although the Final Four is still months away, it would not be surprising if this early-season double-header is nothing more than a preview for the national semifinals.

Each team wants to come away with a marquee win, so fans can look forward to an exciting pair of battles in Indianapolis.

Duke vs. Michigan State

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

When: Tuesday, Nov. 18

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Duke came into the year with high expectations and has not disappointed with two blowout wins over Presbyterian and Fairfield, topping 100 points in each matchup.

Jahlil Okafor, who was named a preseason All-American by The Associated Press despite never playing a college game, has lived up to the hype so far with 36 points and 15 rebounds in three games. ESPN.com's Myron Medcalf made this simple observation watching the freshman center:

Of course, the true strength of the Blue Devils is their depth, as they can use 10 players who excel on both ends of the court. They have always found a way to shoot the lights out, and this year is no different, except for the fact that Okafor now provides a serious presence inside to make this team almost unstoppable.

On the other hand, Michigan State is not as strong as it has been in recent years after losing Gary Harris, Adreian Payne and Keith Appling from last season's Elite Eight team. The season started with a narrow win against Navy, 64-59. 

Head coach Tom Izzo enjoyed his time in Annapolis but did not like his team's effort:

There is still talent on the roster, and you should never count out Izzo. Travis Trice can shoot as well as anyone, while Branden Dawson is a skilled inside scorer. If the younger players on this squad can step up, it should be a top contender in the Big Ten.

However, the difference in this game is that Duke's young players like Okafor, Justise Winslow, Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen are already ready to contribute and dominate at the college level. This should be enough for the Blue Devils to earn an easy win on the big stage.

Kentucky vs. Kansas

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

When: Tuesday, Nov. 18

Time: 9 p.m. ET

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

There is little debate whether Kentucky is the most talented team in the country. In fact, how the Wildcats could match up against an NBA squad like the Philadelphia 76ers might be a bigger argument (ironically, the 76ers are likely trying as hard as they can to lose so they can draft some players on Kentucky).

Still, this does not mean Kentucky will cruise to a championship. The "platoon" system could struggle to get anyone in a rhythm, while the intensity could slip on defense. This seemed to be the case in the first half against Buffalo, as the underdogs held a 38-33 lead.

The Wildcats got back on track in the second half and won 71-52, holding the Bulls to 14 points on 3-of-18 shooting after halftime. 

Seth Davis of CBS Sports believes this will only help the team going forward:

Of course, Kansas also got off to a slow start in its only game, defeating UC Santa Barbara 69-59.

The big question with this squad is who will step up offensively to be a go-to scorer. Freshmen Cliff Alexander and Kelly Oubre seem too raw to be stars on this team early, while Wayne Selden and Perry Ellis appear unwilling to take over.

Despite the fact there are so many future NBA stars on the court, this will likely be a lower-scoring battle than many think. Both John Calipari and Bill Self believe in team defense, and this should be seen in this game.

However, Kentucky has more players capable of winning one-on-one matchups and should be able to outlast the Jayhawks as UK beats KU.

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