Position breakdown: Tonight’s UNLV-San Diego State game

Breaking down the UNLV basketball team’s game at San Diego State at 7 p.m. today:

BACKCOURT

The Rebels will start four guards, and they will need to be effective from outside for UNLV to have much of a chance. Those players certainly are capable of doing that. San Diego State starts one guard, but Trey Kell averages 16.1 points against Mountain West teams.

Edge: UNLV

FRONTCOURT

Losing Derrick Jones Jr. is a killer for UNLV. That puts tons of pressure on Stephen Zimmerman Jr. to get the job done in the middle. It’s too much to ask for going against an Aztecs front line that includes Winston Shepard and Malik Pope.

Edge: San Diego State

BENCH

The Aztecs will bring Jeremy Hemsley off the bench, and he’s got a great shot at Mountain West Freshman of the Year. But Hemsley has been slowed by a foot injury, so he might not be able to play up to his high level. Still, this category isn’t close given how decimated the Rebels have been by injuries and other issues.

Edge: San Diego State

INTANGIBLES

San Diego State has beaten UNLV seven times in a row, and the Rebels simply are a different team away from the Thomas & Mack Center.

Edge: San Diego State

BOTTOM LINE

Betting line: San Diego State -10

— Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter:@markanderson65