Oregon heads into Seattle this weekend for a classic Pac-12 showdown with Washington, and once again, the Ducks are walking a tightrope with their rotation. Injuries have been the theme of the season, and Saturday’s game at Alaska Airlines Arena is no exception.
Dana Altman’s squad will be without key starters Nate Bittle and Jackson Shelstad, both of whom remain sidelined from earlier injuries. And now, frontcourt depth has become the latest concern.
In their recent loss to Michigan State, both Kwame Evans Jr. and Ege Demir exited with injuries and didn’t return. Altman said afterward that both players were being evaluated, and while Demir has officially been ruled out, there’s a glimmer of good news: Evans isn’t on the injury report and is considered available. That could be a significant boost for a Ducks team that’s had to get creative with its lineups all season long.
Oregon has leaned heavily on versatility and defensive pressure to weather the storm. With Bittle and Shelstad out, more has been asked of the Ducks’ wings and guards-not just to score, but to rebound, facilitate, and make plays late in the shot clock. Evans’ presence, if he’s able to go, would add a much-needed dose of athleticism and defensive length, especially against a Washington team that likes to play fast and challenge opponents at the rim.
Washington may be sitting at 10-9 overall and 2-6 in conference play, but don’t let the record fool you. The Huskies are a different animal at home.
They’ve shown the ability to dictate tempo and create matchup headaches with their backcourt. Their offense thrives on quick drives, perimeter shooting, and pushing the ball in transition.
For Oregon, that puts a premium on transition defense and taking care of the basketball-because live-ball turnovers against this team can turn into points in a hurry.
With a shortened rotation, the Ducks can’t afford to get into a track meet. This game is going to be about composure and execution.
Oregon has stayed competitive despite being shorthanded, thanks largely to its defensive identity. That’s going to have to show up again, particularly on the boards.
Demir’s absence will be felt, no question, but the Ducks have embraced a “gang rebounding” mentality in recent games, and that collective approach will be crucial against Washington’s athletic front line.
On the offensive end, Oregon is focused on balance and efficiency. With Shelstad out, isolation plays have taken a back seat.
Instead, the Ducks are emphasizing ball movement, spacing, and smart shot selection. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective when executed well.
Second-chance opportunities could also play a big role-if Oregon can crash the glass and convert, it’ll help offset the lack of scoring depth.
This rivalry might not carry the same conference implications it once did, but make no mistake-Oregon vs. Washington still matters.
It’s a pride game, and for the Ducks, it’s another chance to prove they can hang tough, even when the deck is stacked against them. If Evans is able to contribute meaningful minutes, it gives Oregon a lift.
If not, it’ll be another night of grit, discipline, and team-first basketball in one of the Pac-12’s tougher road environments.