Stanford vs. Oregon Odds
| Stanford Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -110 | 139.5 -110o / -110u | +310 |
| Oregon Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 -110 | 139.5 -110o / -110u | -400 |
The red-hot Oregon Ducks return to Knight Arena with revenge on their mind against Stanford on Thursday night.
The last time these two teams played, it was the Cardinal that came out victorious, 72-69, on the back of Jaiden Delaire's 20-point performance.
Since that loss, the Ducks have lost just once in Pac-12 play. They enter on a three-game win streak, while Stanford has been largely inconsistent, losing at home to UCLA its last time out.
Can Oregon avenge its early season loss to the Cardinal, or will Jerod Haase's squad once again play spoiler?
Stanford Cardinal
Stanford is one of the most interesting teams in the Pac-12. This is a squad that thrives on second-chance opportunities, ranking in the top 20 in offensive rebounding, but is mediocre everywhere else.
The Cardinal turn the ball over on 22.5 percent of possessions, 343rd in the country, and are just inside the top 200 in both 2-point and 3-point shooting. They shoot just 66.1 percent from the line, too.
Yet, Stanford picked up a pair of wins against USC, beat the Mountain West-favorite Wyoming and took down Oregon in early December.
Much of that success has come from the trio of Harrison Ingram, Jaiden Delaire and Spencer Jones.
While all three average double figures, it's Jones' offensive efficiency that's been a key proponent in the Cardinal's success. He ranks third in eFG% and is shooting 40% from 3-point land in Pac-12 play.
This is a Stanford team that won't force many turnovers, but it defends the 3 well and doesn't give many second-chance opportunities. The Cardinal are the fourth-tallest team in the country, with a starting rotation that consists of four players at 6-foot-7 or taller.
Oregon Ducks
Oregon is one of the hottest teams in the Pac-12. Since their loss to Baylor on Dec. 18, the Ducks are 9-1 with wins over both UCLA and USC.
It took time for Dana Altman's squad filled with transfers to adjust, but the team's identity has begun to form. Oregon's 3-point shooting has seen drastic improvement, while its defensive intensity has gotten better in conference play.
This is the same Oregon team that opened Pac-12 play with losses to both Arizona State and Stanford. Now, it sits 8-3, a half-game back of UCLA for second in the conference.
Will Richardson has blossomed and grown into his role as the go-to scorer for the Ducks. He has scored in double figures in every game since that overtime loss to Arizona State and ranks 17th in 3-point shooting at a 48.5% clip.
Offense was the main problem in non-conference play and a lot can be attributed toward a starting lineup of three transfers and N'Faly Dante, who returned from a torn ACL a season ago.
The weakness of this Ducks team is free throw shooting (66.6%) and 2-point defense (192nd in the country). All but Richardson and De'Vion Harman shoot below 70% from the line.
Stanford vs. Oregon Betting Pick
This is a different Oregon team from early December, when these two last faced off.
Jacob Young has stepped up as the secondary scorer to Richardson, and De'Vion Harmon has seen his role increase drastically as Pac-12 play has trudged on.
The two transfers have become integral to the Ducks' success, and I'm not sure Stanford's defense, which ranks 227th in eFG% can stop the athletic guards that thrive on attacking the paint.
Tack on Stanford's inability to force turnovers and I think Oregon's defense will be able to work its sets and get consistent open looks.
The Ducks' defense has also drastically improved in the last couple of months. I expect them to bother a Cardinal team that struggles sustaining possessions. That'll lead to plenty of transition opportunities and open the door for an electric atmosphere at Knight Arena, where Oregon should ride to victory.
While the spread of -8.5 is too much for me, I would look for a live number under (-5) or play the first half. I think Oregon comes out looking for revenge and uses the home crowd to will it to a hot start.
Pick: Oregon 1H or Live (-5) or Better
