Rating: 2 Units

The Blazers were run over in the second half of their last game, but I feel confident predicting a more complete performance from them on Friday at home. UAB ranks as the better offensive and defensive squad, plus it's much more battle-tested. The Eagles have played the 190th-toughest strength of schedule, per KenPom, while the Blazers' schedule is rated 107th-toughest. Having already played Bradley, Clemson, and Maryland, UAB should be able to handle Southern Miss. The Eagles have not shot the basketball efficiently (321st nationally in FG%) and don't focus on one area of the court more than another. Per Hoop-Math, they attempt 34.8% of their shots at the rim, 33.1% from the mid-range, and 32.1% from beyond the arc. That figures to be easier for the Blazers to defend.

PAC-12 Championship Best Bet

Rating: 4 Units

Ironically, the Huskies are the first – and only – undefeated team to land a berth in the Pac-12 championship game. While QB Michael Penix Jr. gets the lion’s share of media attention, we’d like to heap some praise on second year Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer. Not only is he 23-2 SU since taking the job in Seattle, DeBoer is 15-1 SU with the Huskies when they own a better record than their opponent, including 13-0 the last 13 games. He also fits right into tonight’s role, going 6-1 ATS in his career as an underdog, including 3-0 SUATS as a dog with the Huskies. The Ducks may have cashed more tickets in this series of late, going 14-4-1 ATS, but they’re just 3-8 SU with revenge when Washington sports a .875 or greater win percentage.

Rating: 2 Units

Experience matters, that's why scheduling a soft non-conference schedule just to pick up some easy wins can be detrimental to the growth of your team. Northwestern has not had the easiest non-conference slate in the land, but they were only listed as underdogs once and lost that game to Mississippi State without covering. Northwestern should have pounded Western Michigan as they were 23.5-point favorites, but only won by four. Purdue on the other hand has played one of the toughest schedules in the country and won every single game. Purdue has defeated three top-15 teams and will roll into their first conference game with confidence. Northwestern has a 7-footer in Nicholson, but he is not an answer to their Edey problem. At 7'4 Edey is still too big and powerful and will dominate inside again. Northwestern's strength is on the perimeter with Boo Buie, but Purdue's Braden Smith is an excellent perimeter defender and will crowd Buie and take away his open looks. Too much talent for the Boilermakers.

Rating: 2 Units

The Denver Nuggets have demonstrated a strong track record in their recent matchups against the Phoenix Suns, securing victories in 4 of their last 6 encounters. Additionally, from a betting perspective, the Nuggets have shown notable consistency, covering the spread in 7 out of their last 10 games against the Suns. Despite the potential disadvantage due to injuries, the Nuggets still hold considerable potential to cover the 2.5-point spread, especially if Devin Booker remains sidelined for the Suns.