While this may be one of the last seasons we have for Pac-12 basketball, the conference appears poised to go out with a bang, as it's lined with contenders and teams we may see in March.
With conference play right around the corner, there may be no better time to invest in a Pac-12 future. In our Pac-12 betting report, we'll dive into each club and determine if they hold any value.
Arizona Wildcats (-130)
The Arizona Wildcats were the top-ranked team in the country until they lost their most recent meeting against Purdue. While that loss knocked them from the top spot in the nation, there's no doubt that this team is not just a contender to win the Pac-12 but cut down the nets in April.
From a conference perspective, it's difficult to see anyone knocking them off for the regular season title. Just looking ahead, the Wildcats are projected to be double-digit favorites over the second- and third-ranked teams in the conference.
Their current price implies a 56.5% chance of winning the Pac-12, and even with a long way to go, you could make the argument that there's value to be had. Bart Torvik simulations have the Wildcats winning the conference 57.7% of the time, which equates to a price of -136.
USC Trojans (+500)
As mentioned, the Wildcats are projected to be double-digit favorites over the second- and third-ranked teams in terms of adjusted efficiency margin. The USC Trojans are fourth in that currently but are second in odds.
While this USC team is talented, it hasn't done itself any favors by going 5-5 through its first 10 games and failing tests against the likes of Oklahoma, Gonzaga and Auburn.
KenPom has the Trojans projected to go just 11-9 in conference play. So, while it's very early, it appears the Trojans are being overrated.
Colorado Buffaloes (+650)
We go from one team that's getting too much respect to one that may not be getting enough. The Colorado Buffaloes were a program hyped up on the gridiron this year, but it's on the hardwood where they may find their most success.
This Colorado team has impressed, albeit with a soft non-conference schedule. The Buffs passed their one test with flying colors, as they crushed Miami in a 27-point victory.
To this point, the Buffaloes have been very impressive on both ends of the floor. They're 26th in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency and 29th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency.
Looking ahead to their first meeting with Arizona on January 4, we could get solid value on the Buffs, as KenPom projects them to be 11-point underdogs. They have the size to hang with the Wildcats, so keep your eyes peeled for an inflated line on that matchup.
UCLA Bruins (+950)
Mick Cronin may be one of the most well-respected coaches in the country, and for the last three years, he's made the UCLA Bruins a powerhouse.
However, this season, he's failed to replenish the talent that's been lost to the NBA, and the Bruins have gotten off to a 5-4 start.
To their credit, their losses have come against elite competition — Marquette, Gonzaga, Villanova and Ohio State. In addition, only one of their losses has come by double digits, so while they haven't won yet, they've shown they can hang with great teams.
Their tough non-conference schedule may give them a leg-up once conference play begins. KenPom has them projected to go 11-9 in Pac-12 play, but that includes tight projected losses to Oregon, Utah, USC and Colorado.
If they can get things going on the offensive end of the floor, they can easily flip many of those games.
Look to capitalize on the Bruins as underdogs in conference play.
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Oregon Ducks (+1200)
Oregon is a team with many question marks, as it hasn't been healthy at all thus far. Just five guys on the Ducks' roster have played in all 10 games this season.
Unfortunately for the Ducks, the injuries have struck two of their top players, Nate Bittle and N'Faly Dante. Bittle hasn't played since November 17, and we haven't seen Dante since the season opener.
Oregon's N'Faly Dante (hamstring) and Nate Bittle (wrist) underwent successful surgeries this week, per release.
Bittle will be reevaluated in eight weeks. Dante will be reevaluated in four weeks.
Significant Pac-12 news. https://t.co/5RAuQxeQfY
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 24, 2023
We may not see either of them for quite some time, leaving this Oregon team vulnerable.
Utah Utes (+1400)
If we're looking for a dark horse to compete in the conference, it's the Utah Utes.
The Utes have looked very good in the early going, picking up victories over Wake Forest, Saint Mary's and BYU.
Utah also looked respectable against a top-ranked Houston team.
KenPom has projected Utah to go 12-8 in conference play, and while it may not have the consistency to win the regular season title, this team clearly has the potential to be the second-best team in the conference and will present value in many matchups.
Washington Huskies (+3500)
Another team that's shown it may be undervalued in the Pac-12 is the Washington Huskies.
The Huskies have recorded victories over Xavier and Gonzaga thus far, while suffering narrow losses to solid teams like Nevada, San Diego State and Colorado State.
The Huskies have climbed 30 spots in KenPom's rankings since the beginning of the season and are projected to go 11-9 in conference play. They've proven they're far better than the market perceived them, and they'll have value on them in multiple Pac-12 matchups.
