Miami vs. Pitt Odds
| Miami Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -104 | 146.5 -112o / -108u | -118 |
| Pitt Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -118 | 146.5 -112o / -108u | -102 |
This is a matchup that I had circled earlier in the week after Miami’s lights out shooting performance on Tuesday night against Florida State. The Hurricanes shot an astounding 57% from the field, including 11-of-22 from beyond the arc.
Guards Jordan Miller, Isaiah Wong and Nijel Pack were the main story of the game, as they were a combined 9-of-15 from 3-point land.
However, with a nice home victory over Wake Forest, this could be a golden opportunity to back Pittsburgh here.
Let’s break down this matchup between Miami and Pitt.
Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes bounced back from their tough loss at Duke with an extremely impressive shooting performance on the road at Florida State.
As someone who faded Miami in this game, I was blown away by the offensive performance.
Miami now ranks 13th in offensive efficiency, per KenPom, as its backcourt continues to be one of the best in the entire country.
In this particular matchup, the Canes are going to need to rely on their guard play once again, as you could argue the Panthers’ backcourt can be just as lethal on the offensive side of the floor.
As good as Miami has been shooting the ball, I expect the regression to start kicking in sooner rather than later.
This could also be a sleepy spot after coming off a huge blowout win, and the Hurricanes now have to travel in the cold up north for a mid-afternoon Saturday game.
What’s also concerning is the length of the Hurricanes' rotation players compared to the Panthers’.
Miami will certainly have its hands full in that regard, although I do expect Wong, Pack and Miller to get ample shooting opportunities beyond the arc.
The key for Miami will be winning the guard-play battle.
Pitt Panthers
The Panthers enter this matchup with a solid overall record of 14-7, including 7-3 in ACC play.
They have 10 games remaining on their ACC schedule and they could eclipse the most conference wins they’ve had since the 2015-2016 season when they won nine games.
I spoke a lot about the terrific Miami guard play, but it’s time to give some love to the Panthers' backcourt.
With last year’s leading scorer John Hugley IV going down, the guards have had to really step up their game to provide most of the scoring.
And man, have they ever.
Nelly Cummings, Dior Johnson, Greg Elliott and Jamarius Burton have formed a terrific group in the backcourt. The combination of experience and youthfulness has created a true identity of firepower that opposing teams dread.
As if the guards didn’t provide enough firepower, 6-foot-7 forward Blake Hinson also has the ability to get hot from beyond the arc.
Due to the size of the Diaz Graham twins (Jorge and Guillermo), terrific guard play and the ability to create turnovers, I expect a massive effort here from the Panthers.
Miami vs. Pitt Betting Pick
I would not be surprised to see a ton of public money come in on Miami to drive this line up a bit, especially after its big win on Tuesday night.
With that said, if big man Norchad Omier gets into foul trouble, Miami is going to have a severely hard time containing the size of the Panthers.
Once Pitt starts dominating inside, that’s where the terrific guard play can take advantage of being left open beyond the arc — since Miami will have to adjust defensively.
Even if Miami stays out of foul trouble, I still expect Pittsburgh to come out with a huge effort. I love the Panthers in this spot.
As good as Miami has been this year, the regression monster could make an appearance at the Petersen Events Center.
