The New York Times Ethics policy prohibits us sportswriters from betting on games (duh), but that doesn’t mean we can’t share some advice with everyone. So if you’re looking to spend some money on major college basketball this weekend, these games have piqued our interest. And assuming we’re not the latest #FadeKing — no promises — we’ll be repeating these picks all season long, especially as we delve into conference play. We are absolutely, certainly, 100 percent not liable for lost bets… but if you’re going to lose a few bucks, you might as well do it with some judgment. Load the slips, please.

The rankings come from the AP Top 25.

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Pitt vs. LSU

Greenbrier Tip-Off in White Sulfur Springs, WV, Friday 2:30pm ET, CBSSN

So far this season, 12 teams have a top-25 offensive and defensive efficiency rating, according to KenPom: the top four teams in this week’s AP top-25, six other ranked squads… and then Texas Tech (No. 26 this week) and Pitt. The Panthers have won every game this season, including their two top-100 games, by at least 15 points, and their defense is holding teams to under 60 per game, the 23rd best mark nationally. LSU is coming off a nice win at Kansas State, but I’m not sure the Tigers’ offense — which struggles with turnovers and three-point shooting — will be able to score enough to keep up with the Panthers.

The choice: Pitt

Nebraska at No. 14 Creighton

Friday 8pm ET, FS1

Creighton looked shaky in the season opener against UT Rio Grande Valley, but has been a wrecking ball since. That’s because Ryan Kalkbrenner was one of the early frontrunners for National Player of the Year honors, averaging a career-best 25.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. But his rim protection and Creighton’s overall reluctance to make mistakes should be the difference against the Cornhuskers. Nebraska – which doesn’t shoot or defend the 3-pointer very well – lives on 2s and at the charity stripe, but Creighton has a top-10 2-point defense and commits the lowest foul rate in the country.

The choice: Creighton

No. 12 Duke at No. 17 Arizona

Friday 10:30pm ET, ESPN2

Both teams have already suffered big losses – Duke vs. Kentucky in the Champions Classic, Arizona vs. Wisconsin on the road – but of the two, Duke has looked significantly better in the long run. The Blue Devils have made 11, 17 and 16 three-pointers in their three other games, and it appears their 4-for-24 performance against the Wildcats was an outlier (or a ball issue). Meanwhile, Arizona has made 20 three-pointers all season. Zona guard Caleb Love (formerly of UNC) tends to thrive against Duke. He has averaged 16.9 points against the Blue Devils in eight career meetings, but I have doubts about Arizona’s efficiency and firepower.

The choice: Duke

GO DEEPER

Duke asked Cooper Flagg to go win the game. Despite the result, he is asked again and again

Saturday 2pm ET, ESPN+

Talking about stylistic contradictions. Cincinnati is purposeful and comfortable in the halfcourt and ranks 277th in adjusted pace, while Georgia Tech loves to run and ranks 36th in adjusted pace. However, the Bearcats haven’t played anyone of significance yet, so this one could be closer than it seems on paper. The Yellow Jackets have been disappointing so far this season — losing at home to North Florida in opening week — but they have enough pieces to give Cincy problems, especially at home. Damon Stoudamire’s rookie squad defeated four NCAA Tournament teams last season despite their 14-18 record.

The choice: Cincinnati

In Nassau, Bahamas, Saturday 11am ET, FloHoops

Purdue hadn’t lost a non-conference game since 2020 … until Marquette beat up the Boilermakers earlier this week. Kam Jones’ triple-double was the highlight there, but in reality the Golden Eagles were one of the most fun offenses in the first month of this season. On the other hand, Georgia actually looks like it could make some noise in the SEC, especially with freshman Asa Newell — who averages a team-high 16.8 points — adapting so well to the college game. Marquette is more talented overall, but Georgia is feisty, and its rebounding prowess could cause Marquette some problems.

The choice: Marquette

(Photo by Cooper Flagg: Grant Halverson/Getty Images)