Clemson vs. North Carolina Odds
| Clemson Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7.5 -110 | 146.5 -110o / -110u | +240 |
| North Carolina Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7.5 -110 | 146.5 -110o / -110u | -300 |
The ACC has been one of the more predictable conferences this season, and the two teams in this matchup are a testament to that. Clemson is one of the most pleasant surprises as the Tigers have torn through the ACC and enter this matchup tied atop the conference. However, they've lost their past two games.
As for the Tar Heels, their season has been a roller coaster. They were once the top-ranked team in the nation, but then fell hard and fast with a four-game losing streak.
Then, when it appeared North Carolina had found its form, the Tar Heels dropped three straight conference games. All that leads us to this matchup.
Which team will get back to their winning ways? Let's dive in and uncover the best betting angle for this ACC showdown.
Clemson Tigers
The Tigers are going to rely on their talented backcourt to create space and open shots. In fact, 3-pointers and long-range 2-pointers have accounted for 66% of Clemson's offense this season.
Of course, the Tigers will need another avenue to put points on the board as the Tar Heels have been solid defensively in those areas, though the Tigers can make things happen around the basket.
When Clemson goes inside, Armando Bacot, one of the most imposing inside forces in the conference, will be waiting. However, the Tigers have two ways to attack him.
Their guards can penetrate and challenge Bacot at the rim, or they can feed their own big man, PJ Hall. Hall has been tremendous from close range as he's converted 68% of his close 2-pointers.
Creating high percentage looks inside will not only increase Clemson's chances of putting points on the board, but it may also get Bacot into foul trouble and significantly limit the impact he can make on this game.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Speaking of working the ball inside, that has been the Tar Heels gameplan this season. They returned a majority of their production from last year, but the perimeter shooting has not been there.
North Carolina's offense has been centered around Bacot. Even though Bacot has been plenty dominant, when he's been inefficient, the Tar Heels lose.
Bacot will have to contend with Hall, who is equal in size and outweighs Bacot. That means Bacot won't be able to out-muscle him on the low block. Instead, it will be up to Caleb Love and RJ Davis to penetrate and create off those drives.
If North Carolina's backcourt can penetrate, it will mean two things. First, the Tar Heels won't settle for outside shots, and Bacot will have cleaner looks from drop-off passes.
Clemson vs North Carolina Betting Pick
The Tar Heels are reeling, which should signal a good spot to buy low, but the market may still be overvaluing them.
Clemson has more avenues to success in this matchup. The Tigers have the size to contend with Bacot on both ends of the court and the backcourt to create scoring chances from all three levels.
KenPom has North Carolina as a seven-point favorite in this matchup, which is more than enough for me to buy the Tigers. There is a changing of the guard in the ACC, and this matchup will show it.
Pick: Clemson +7.5 (Play to +4) |
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