Stanford vs Utah Pick & Prediction for Thursday

Stanford plays Utah at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 29 on Pac-12 Network. Here's a Stanford vs Utah pick and prediction.

This matchup promises to be a competitive battle as Utah seeks to even the season series against Stanford.

With both teams bringing their unique strengths and weaknesses to the court, this game will likely be a high-scoring matchup.

The Cardinal enter this matchup with a stout offensive attack, ranked 94th in adjusted efficiency, and an impressive 28th-ranked effective field goal percentage (eFG%). That high eFG% highlights Stanford's ability to convert shots at an efficient rate, a key factor against Utah's elite defense.

However, Stanford's offensive capabilities are hampered by its 245th rank in turnover percentage and concerning 344th rank in offensive rebounding percentage, suggesting difficulties in maintaining possession and generating second-chance points.

Furthermore, their low free-throw rate (327th) contrasts with a relatively high free-throw percentage (57th), indicating that while they convert free throws at a decent rate, they struggle to draw fouls and generate free-throw opportunities.

Defensively, Stanford exhibits mixed results. Its 138th-ranked adjusted efficiency and troubling 250th rank in eFG% allowed could be exploitable weaknesses against Utah's offense. Additionally, its 300th rank in turnover percentage points to a lack of pressure on opposing ball handlers, a critical aspect against Utah.

However, Stanford's strength lies in defensive rebounding (70th) and limiting opponents' free-throw opportunities (22nd in free throw rate), aspects that could mitigate some of Utah's offensive threats.

The Utes showcase an even better offensive profile than Stanford, with a 47th-ranked adjusted offensive efficiency and a solid 56th-ranked eFG%. Utah's turnover percentage (129th) and offensive rebounding rate (194th) suggest an average ability to maintain possession and generate additional scoring chances.

However, Utah's glaring weakness is its free-throw percentage (350th), the second-lowest in the nation, which could be a significant detriment in a close game.

Defensively, Utah appears more robust, ranking 66th in adjusted efficiency and 101st in eFG% allowed. Its ability to limit opponents' scoring efficiency without relying on turnovers (327th in turnover percentage) speaks to a disciplined defensive scheme.

Coupled with decent defensive rebounding (82nd) and a knack for limiting free-throw opportunities (19th in free throw rate), Utah's defense could pose challenges for Stanford's offense.

Considering the advanced metrics and home-court advantage (12-2 straight up and 8-6 against the spread), taking Utah to cover the 8.5-point spread emerges as the best bet for this game. Stanford is 3-5-1 against the spread as a road team (25th worst in the nation) and struggles to maintain its gameplan in enemy territory.

Utah's balanced offensive and defensive capabilities, particularly its efficiency in scoring and rebounding, position it well to exploit Stanford's weaknesses. Furthermore, Utah's defensive discipline is likely to stifle Stanford's efficient, but turnover-prone offense, allowing the Utes to control the pace and extend its lead beyond the spread.

Back the Utes to exact revenge against the Cardinal and dominate them from start to finish.

Pick: Utah -8.5