Washington vs. Gonzaga Prediction and Odds for Friday, December 9th (Keep Fading Bulldogs)

Washington hits the road to face in-state foe Gonzaga, who looks far more vulnerable than expected in 2022.

The Bulldogs are 6-3 on the season and struggled to pull away from Kent State on Monday night, another concerning signal for this season's version of Mark Few's team. They host Washington, who has been far improved then recent seasons, starting 7-2 on the year behind an aggressive defense.

Will the Bulldogs guard play find its form at home on Friday night? Let's check out the odds:

Washington vs. Gonzaga Odds, Spread and Total

Washington vs. Gonzaga Prediction and Pick

Gonzaga's turnover issues are the chief concern of the offense, but it could be trending in the right direction. The team posted a 13% turnover rate (an elite number) against Kent State's top 10 defense in terms of forcing turnovers, but they will have to do it again against the Huskies defense that is top 80 in that metric.

Further, I can't trust this Gonzaga defense to overwhelm teams with their transition offense given their poor shot metrics. Shot Quality rates them as one of the luckiest teams in the country, a 4-5 team rather than a 6-3 team with the 231st highest "Rim & 3 Rate" which is the metric for percent of shots that come at the rim or from beyond the arc (the sign of a quality possession).

They'll face a Washington team that is comfortable playing fast on offense but strong in transition, limiting foes to one of the slowest average possession lengths in the country on defense (284th) and allowing the 35th lowest effective field goal percentage. On offense, the Huskies are the middle of the pack offense, but this Gonzaga team is allowing foes to post a 49% effective field goal percentage (153rd in the country) which can allow the likes of Keion Brooks and the Huskies offense to stay within this big number.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.