The Oregon Ducks are set to face off against the Washington Huskies in Seattle, Washington, with the game scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m. ET on Peacock. Washington enters the matchup as the favorite, boasting a spread of 9.5 points and a moneyline of -530. The total is currently set at 144.5 points.
As the game approaches, predictions are leaning towards a strong performance from Washington. With a recommended pick of Washington -8.5, analysts believe the Huskies will cover the spread, aided by their recent performance despite a challenging schedule.
Oregon arrives at Alaska Airlines Arena having experienced a rough patch, suffering five consecutive losses and posting a 1-4 record against the spread during this stretch. The Ducks are notably hampered by injuries, missing key players Jackson Shelstad, who has been out since December 28, and Nate Bittle, who hasn’t played in the last two games. Their absence has significantly impacted Oregon’s performance—statistical analyses show a +10.6 net rating when both players are on the floor, compared to a -11.9 net rating when they are not.
With the Ducks struggling offensively, their current standing in the Big Ten is concerning, ranking near the bottom in both turnover rate and two-point field goal percentage. Their scoring strategy, which typically relies on post plays, has suffered without Bittle, leading to diminished effectiveness from players such as Sean Stewart and Kwame Evans Jr. As a result, head coach Dana Altman has adjusted the team’s playstyle to prioritize a slower tempo in an effort to control the game’s pace.
The Huskies, though also dealing with injuries this season, have shown improvement with the return of Jacob Ognacevic. Despite a recent record of five losses in six games, they have managed a respectable 4-2 against the spread. Washington’s offense predominantly operates through ball-screen actions, with standout player Hannes Steinbach poised to capitalize against Oregon’s defense, which has been vulnerable, particularly in defending these scenarios.
As the rivalry rekindles, Washington aims to reignite its season with a decisive victory against Oregon, who is desperately seeking to turn the tide. The matchup promises a mixture of intensity and strategic gameplay, as both teams hope to leverage their strengths amid challenges.