The first few weeks of conference play in the Pac-12 have been full of surprises.
However, there's a significant discrepancy between what you see in the standings and the oddsmakers' opinions on who's truly a contender in the conference.
So, let's dive into our Pac-12 betting report to see if there's any value we can capitalize on.
All odds below are via DraftKings as of Tuesday, Jan. 23.
Arizona Wildcats
Pac-12 Odds: -300
The Wildcats may have stumbled out of the gate when conference play began, but the odds show that they're still the top cats in the Pac-12.
The proof is in the results, as they have dismantled the likes of Colorado and Utah despite having the same conference record.
At this point, the value on Arizona to win the conference is gone with a steep price, but you should consider it for national title or Final Four markets. The Cats are one of the rare teams that rank in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive adjusted efficiency.
Oregon Ducks
Pac-12 Odds: +600
The Ducks hold the second-best odds to win the Pac-12, as they have come on strong through their first handful of conference matchups.
In our first report, the outlook for this team looked bleak. The Ducks had a weak nonconference schedule, and their stars were injured. Not exactly a recipe for success in the Conference of Champions.
However, the return of senior big man N'Faly Dante has given them the jolt they need to be competitive.
Despite that, Oregon may be a bit overhyped, as they have dropped their last two games against Colorado and Utah — two teams that are much higher than them in KenPom's rankings.
Utah Utes
Pac-12 Odds: +650
The Utes are a team on the rise.
We just highlighted their most recent victory over Oregon, but they put together a solid nonconference record, and that play has carried over into the Pac-12.
Now, they did get blown out by Arizona, but they've bounced back strong by picking up wins in three of their last four games since that defeat.
Utah is one of the dart throws you can take in this conference market, as there are a few matchups that could put it in contention quickly. In the first week of February, it will host both Colorado and Arizona.
Utah is projected to defeat Colorado and narrowly lose to Arizona by three points. However, if the Utes can upset the Wildcats, they'll likely be tied for the lead in the Pac-12 and have plenty of projected wins after that.
Colorado Buffaloes
Pac-12 Odds: +900
The Buffs may be another club to buy low on in this market, as their three-game losing streak really hurt their perception. However, the fact is that their losses stemmed from not being at full strength, and they have responded well since then.
Colorado is now 5-3 in conference play — tied with Utah and a game behind Arizona. It has the talent to contend with any team in the country and is highly efficient on both ends of the floor while boasting a rare combination of size and experience.
Pac-12 Matchups to Watch
As you've seen by now, there are some very crucial matchups coming up in Pac-12 play that will quickly separate the contenders from the pretenders. Here, we'll go over possible angles to look for when the time arrives.
Jan. 27: Arizona vs. Oregon
The Wildcats are projected to be eight-point favorites, but that number may be short because they're on the road.
Going off my analysis of Oregon, the Ducks are a bit overrated and may get too much respect here. Arizona is far superior on both ends of the floor and has the size to shut down Dante.
If we get anything under double digits, Arizona will be the side to take.
Feb. 3: Colorado vs. Utah
This is a big swing matchup for both of these clubs. They each have proven they can contend in this conference, but this matchup between them will cause some separation in the standings.
While Utah has been the more impressive team, It looks like Colorado may be undervalued here.
KenPom has the Utes projected to win by four, but then Colorado is projected to win when they host later in the month. Is the Utes' home-court advantage really worth six points? If we get Colorado as a dog of two possessions, I'd be willing to test that.
Feb. 8: Arizona vs. Utah
Assuming they get through the Buffs, the Utes must show up again on a Thursday night. They'll have the opportunity to host Arizona and will have all the motivation, as a win here could put them atop the conference.
KenPom has the Wildcats projected as three-point favorites, and while that may be short, the Utes have the size to contend with Arizona's bigs. However, I will be looking toward the total in a game that will be a track meet.
The projected total sits at 163, and I'd be willing to take that over. We've seen both of these teams have multiple final scores reach the 170s and 180s.
