Alabama vs Gonzaga Odds, Picks, Predictions (12/17/22)

Alabama and Gonzaga square off in a neutral site game based in Birmingham, Alabama. Alabama is riding high after beating both Houston and Memphis in back-to-back games, while Gonzaga beat Washington and Northern Illinois very easily before these teams square off on Saturday. This should be an interesting matchup between two great teams in college basketball this year. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!

Alabama vs. Gonzaga Odds

Alabama is a 2-point neutral site favorite against Gonzaga and is at -130 on the money line. The over/under is also at 158. Alabama being favored here makes sense because they have looked like the better team overall, and while the game is a neutral site game, it’s still in Alabama too. the over/under makes sense because both of these teams are very good on offense. This spread may change a bit, but it should stay where it’s at before tip-off.

Alabama vs. Gonzaga Prediction & Pick

The pick: Gonzaga +2

Gonzaga hasn’t been the normal juggernaut they normally are this year, but they still have talent. The Bulldogs have one of the best players in all of college basketball in Drew Timme, who surprisingly decided to come back after last year. He’s been great for the Bulldogs this year and has been doing it all for them. He’s also their leading scorer and blocker. Nolan Hickman has been great at the point guard spot as a sophomore and leads the team in assists. Rasir Bolton is one of the best three-point shooters on Gonzaga after being just as good last year. Julian Strawther has been great too and is the best NBA prospect Gonzaga has. He’s also leading the team in rebounding. Anton Watson might also be an x-factor for Gonzaga going forward in the year too. There just seems to be something a little off with this Gonzaga team, but don’t count them out. They are still a very good offensive team, but have taken a step back. On the other side, Alabama might be the hottest team in the entire country. Their best player is Brandon Miller, who’s their leading scorer and leading rebounder. He’s a do-it-all freshman for the Crimson Tide and one of the best in the entire country. Mark Sears has been a breakout star so far after transferring from Ohio at the point guard position. Noah Clowney and Jaden Bradley are also big names to watch on Alabama. As a team, Alabama just competes extremely hard and leads college basketball in rebounding. Still, Gonzaga is the better pick here because they are the more steady team, as compared to Alabama who can be more erratic. Alabama is also going through a three-game gauntlet and they might be out of gas by this game after putting a lot of energy into both the Houston and Memphis games.

Alabama vs. Gonzaga Key Matchups

Can Nolan Hickman go toe-to-toe with Mark Sears? Can Julian Strawther go toe-to-toe with Brandon Miller?

Nolan Hickman vs Mark Sears

Nolan Hickman has been great as sophomore in the point guard spot. He averages 8 points, 4 assists, and 35% from three-point range. He’s been great when needed for the Zags and been very reliable. Mark Sears has been a lightning rod for Alabama this year as a transfer point guard from Ohio. He averages 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 44 % from three-point range. Sears has been exactly what Alabama needs at the guard spot. With point guard being the most important position in basketball, this matchup is going to be a huge factor in who wins.

Julian Strawther vs Brandon Miller

Julian Strawther came back to Gonzaga this year and has been great so far. He averages 13 points, 8 rebounds and 40% from three-point range. He’s Gonzaga’s best NBA prospect going into this year’s draft. Brandon Miller came to Alabama as a five-star from this past recruiting class and has been everything and more for the Crimson Tide. He averages 18.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 44% from three-point range. Miller has instantly become the Crimson Tide’s best player this year. Julian Strawther is Gonzaga’s most versatile player, so it’ll be interesting to see how he plays against a player as good as Miller.