Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Feast Week rolls along with many intriguing matchups once again lined up throughout the day. We've eaten well so far this week, with my picks going 5-1 since the start of the week. Let's keep it going!
Top College Basketball Best Bets for Today
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Oregon 
vs. Creighton
I've picked against Oregon several times already this year, whether it's taking the points with its opponent or taking the under, mainly because I haven't trusted its offense. Now, I finally see an opportunity for it to bounce back.
The Ducks have had trouble hitting their shots, but they are outstanding at collecting offensive boards and getting to the free-throw line. Oregon ranks 29th in offensive rebounding percentage, a significant strength in any matchup, especially in this one, as Creighton has had severe issues on the defensive glass, ranking 291st in rebounding. Oregon has also struggled to protect the ball, ranking 275th in offensive turnover percentage, but this will likely be less of an issue on Thursday, as Creighton ranks 272nd in defensive turnover percentage.
When playing in the other direction, Oregon doesn't rank very high in defensive adjusted efficiency, but it's still close to above average in many key categories. For example, Oregon's defense is at or above the D-1 average in effective field goal percentage allowed, turnover percentage, rebounding percentage, and free-throw attempt rate allowed. In contrast, Creighton's offensive efficiency is decent, ranked 53rd, but it's doing poorly in turnovers (268th), free-throw attempt rate (332nd), and three-point field goal percentage (260th), making just 30 percent of its three-point attempts.
I've been critical of Oregon through the early part of the season, but I believe they have a reasonable shot at going in a positive direction on Thursday. I'm taking the Ducks in this spot.
College Basketball Best Bet: Oregon -1.5
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North Carolina 
vs.Michigan State 
The overall edge in this matchup belongs to the Spartans, but North Carolina does a few things exceptionally well that could tip the scales in the Tar Heels' favor.
First, Michigan State has relied on inside scoring, but North Carolina is proving to have elite interior defense. Two-pointers account for almost 53 percent of the Spartans' total points, the 86th-highest mark in the nation, but the Tar Heels have held opponents to under 36 percent on two-point attempts, the lowest percentage allowed among all D-1 teams. Additionally, Michigan State has feasted on second-chance opportunities, posting the 10th-highest offensive rebounding percentage, but North Carolina ranks 57th in defensive rebounding, mitigating Sparty's advantage.
At the other end of the court, North Carolina is proving to have a well-balanced offensive attack. The Tar Heels rank 37th in adjusted efficiency and rank in the top 75 in the nation in effective field goal percentage, offensive rebounding, and free-throw attempt rate. Michigan State's defense doesn't allow many easy possessions, but North Carolina still appears to have the tools to score points.
Considering that North Carolina has the better offensive attack and seems well-equipped to defend against Michigan State, I have to take the points in this spot. I'm going with the Tar Heels.
College Basketball Best Bet: North Carolina +1.5
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Oklahoma State 
vs. Northwestern 
First and foremost, the Cowboys have a gargantuan advantage on the boards
Oklahoma State is highly effective at snatching offensive rebounds, ranking 111th in rebounding percentage, while Northwestern has had severe issues with securing the defensive glass, ranking 302nd in rebounding percentage.
At the other end of the court, the Cowboys don't have any glaring weaknesses on defense. Oklahoma State ranks in the top 105 in the nation in effective field goal percentage allowed, defensive rebounding, and free-throw attempt rate. The Wildcats are good offensively in the same categories, with the notable exception being offensive rebounding, where they rank 201st.
If Northwestern were stronger on the glass, perhaps this pick would be different, but the difference here is too significant to ignore. I'm riding with the Cowboys.
College Basketball Best Bet: Oklahoma State +2.5
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Thursday College Basketball Best Bets:
Here's a recap of my best college basketball bets for Thursday:
- Oregon -1.5
- North Carolina +1.5
- Oklahoma State +2.5
For up-to-date information on the latest college basketball betting odds and props from multiple sources, check out the college basketball odds page on RotoWire.
