College basketball picks: Duke-Arizona, Nebraska-Creighton, Marquette-Georgia and more

The New York Times ethics policy prohibits us sportswriters from gambling on games (duh), but that doesn’t mean we can’t share a little advice with everyone else. So, if you’re looking to sprinkle a few bucks on marquee college basketball this weekend, these games have piqued our interest. And assuming we aren’t the latest #FadeKing — no promises — we’ll be running these picks back all season, especially as we get into the meat of conference play. We absolutely, definitely, 100 percent are not liable for any lost bets … but, well, if you’re dropping a few dollars anyway, you might as well do so with some insight. Load the slips, please.

Rankings are from the AP Top 25.

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Pitt vs. LSU

Greenbrier Tip-Off in White Sulphur Springs, W.V., Friday 2:30 p.m. ET, CBSSN

So far this season, twelve teams have a top-25 offensive and defensive efficiency rating, per KenPom: the top four teams in this week’s AP top-25, six other ranked squads … and then Texas Tech (No. 26 this week) and Pitt. The Panthers have won every game this season, including their two top-100 games, by at least 15 points, and their defense is holding teams to under 60 per game, the 23rd-best rate nationally. LSU has a nice road win at Kansas State, but I’m not sure the Tigers’ offense — which struggles with turnovers and 3-point shooting — will be able to score enough to keep up with the Panthers.

The pick: Pitt

Nebraska at No. 14 Creighton

Friday 8 p.m. ET, FS1

Creighton looked shaky in its season opener vs. UT Rio Grande Valley but has been a wrecking ball ever since. That’s because Ryan Kalkbrenner has been one of the early frontrunners for National Player of the Year, averaging a career-best 25.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. But his rim protection and Creighton’s overall reticence to foul should be the difference against the Cornhuskers. Nebraska — which doesn’t shoot or defend the 3-pointer very well — lives on 2s and at the charity stripe, but Creighton has a top-10 2-point defense and fouls at the lowest rate in the country.

The pick: Creighton

No. 12 Duke at No. 17 Arizona

Friday 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Both teams have already suffered high-profile losses — Duke to Kentucky in the Champions Classic, Arizona to Wisconsin on the road — but of the two, Duke has looked significantly better over the long haul. The Blue Devils have made 11, 17, and 16 3-pointers in their three other games, and it’s looking like their 4-for-24 showing vs. the Wildcats was an outlier (or an issue with the ball). Meanwhile, Arizona has made 20 3-pointers all season. Zona guard Caleb Love (formerly of UNC) does tend to thrive vs. Duke. He has averaged 16.9 points against the Blue Devils in eight career meetings, but I have doubts about Arizona’s efficiency and firepower.

The pick: Duke

No. 18 Cincinnati at Georgia Tech

Saturday 2 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Talk about stylistic opposites. Cincinnati is deliberate and comfortable in the halfcourt, ranking 277th in adjusted tempo, while Georgia Tech loves to run, ranking 36th in adjusted tempo. The Bearcats haven’t played anyone of consequence yet, though, so this one could be closer than it seems on paper. The Yellow Jackets have been underwhelming so far this season — they lost to North Florida at home during opening week — but they have enough pieces to give Cincy trouble, especially at home. Damon Stoudamire’s debut squad beat four NCAA Tournament teams last season despite its 14-18 record.

The pick: Cincinnati

No. 15 Marquette vs. Georgia

In Nassau, Bahamas, Saturday 11 a.m. ET, FloHoops

Purdue hadn’t lost a regular-season nonconference game since 2020 … until Marquette beat up on the Boilermakers earlier this week. Kam Jones’ triple-double was the highlight there, but in reality, the Golden Eagles have been one of the most fun offenses in the first month of this season. On the flip side, Georgia actually looks like it could make some noise in the SEC, especially with star freshman Asa Newell — who averages a team-high 16.8 points — adjusting to the college game so well. Marquette is more talented overall, but Georgia is feisty, and its rebounding prowess could give Marquette some trouble.