Oregon men's basketball: How to watch, odds, injuries, matchups vs Colorado

On a hot streak in conference games, Oregon sits atop the Pac-12 with the only undefeated record in the conference.

Overall, the Ducks have a 13-3 record with their only losses going to then-No. 17 Alabama, Syracuse, and Santa Clara.

Dana Altman has adapted his team to find continuous success despite suffering multiple injuries on the roster. As players come off the IR and return to on-court action, Oregon hopes to ride its momentum to more Pac-12 wins.

Thursday night, the Ducks will play the Colorado Buffaloes on the road. Colorado is currently 12-5 overall and 3-3 in conference play. 

The Buffs have previously lost to Arizona, Arizona State, and Cal in a three-game losing streak before turning it around to defeat the USC Trojans last Saturday.

Here’s how to watch the game, injury reports from both benches, and more ahead of the Pac-12 showdown.

How to watch Oregon MBB vs. Colorado

Location: CU Events Center, Boulder, CO

Game time: 7:30 p.m. PT

TV/Live Stream: FS1

Radio/Audio: Oregon Sports Network, GoDucks Audio

Live stats: StatBroadcast

Key matchups:

Colorado’s J’Vonne Hadley may pose a challenge for freshman Duck Jackson Shelstad. The two high-power guards will have to work to see their usual offensive numbers as both players are skilled defenders on the other end of the court.

Shelstad is currently averaging 14.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Hadley’s stat line reads 10.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 2.6 APG.

If N’Faly Dante returns to his starting position, the center will be met by a formidable opponent. Eddie Lampkin Jr., Colorado’s starting big man, is currently averaging 10 PPG and 7.5 RPG.

Dante has an unusual disadvantage when it comes to size, sitting at 6-foot-11 and 210 pounds, he is a force to be reckoned with. However, Lampkin clocks in at 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds, significantly bigger than Dante’s ‘slim’ frame.

Oregon injury report:

Dante is expected to make his second appearance since returning from knee surgery. He collected 8 points and 2 rebounds in his first game back with the Ducks.

Still on the bench due to injury, Nate Bittle and Jesse Zarzuela have yet to return to the court. Bittle’s outlook is more optimistic with the possibility of making a comeback before the season ends but Zarzuela will not see playing time until next year.

Altman has been able to lean on his freshman and sophomore players throughout the season while these veterans have had to sit out.

Colorado injury report:

The Buffaloes have also had to deal with some of their star players being out for parts of the season this year.

Arguably one of Colorado’s top players, forward Cody Williams missed a few games with an ongoing wrist injury. 

Since returning, Williams hasn’t gotten back to his show-stopping numbers from the beginning of the season but has been able to contribute offensively for his team. He is expected to play Thursday night against the Ducks.

Tristan da Silva is another Buff who has come off the bench, his time sitting out due to an ankle injury. Da Silva had hurt his ankle in a non-contact incident during a practice session.

Much like Williams, forward da Silva has put up points for Colorado in recent games as well as earning 4 rebounds and 4 assists in the team’s win over USC. He is also expected to play.

Final score prediction: Oregon 89, Colorado 81