Expert prediction
No. 16 North Carolina vs Syracuse Preview, Odds, Predictions (Feb. 21)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Tar Heels are dealing with injuries to two key starters.
- The Orange looks to pull off an upset over the ranked Tar Heels.
- This marks the 27th all-time matchup between the two ACC squads.
The ACC may have an upset alert on their radar when the Syracuse Orange hosts the No. 16 North Carolina Tar Heels. The ranked squad comes out as the slight favorite, but recent injuries leave them vulnerable to falling in the conference standings.
How to Watch
- When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 1 pm ET
- Where: JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, New York
- How to Watch: ABC
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | -105 | -1 | O154 |
| Syracuse | -115 | +1 | U154 |
Game Preview
When healthy, the No. 16 Tar Heels (20-6, 8-5 ACC) stand out as one of the best teams in the country. However, injuries to standouts Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar had them suffer a big dip in form after losing in a blowout to NC State on Feb. 17. Seth Trimble struggled against the Wolfpack as he will need to bounce back to lead North Carolina back to the win column. He is averaging 13.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game on 44.6% shooting from the field this season.
The Orange (15-12, 6-8 ACC) have gone through ups and downs throughout the regular season, being in the middle of the conference standings. They are coming off a brutal road loss to an elite Duke squad, showing how long the program has to go to make the next big jump. They boast the second among the best shot-blocking teams in all of Division I basketball, creating 6.3 rejections per game. William Kyle III has been the center of Syracuse’s success on defense. He ranks fifth in total blocks (72) and blocks per game (6.7) in the country. On another note, Donnie Freeman will look to assert himself on offense, producing 17.1 points and seven rebounds per contest.
North Carolina vs Syracuse Head-to-Head
The two programs have had 26 meetings in their history, and the result is 19-7 for the Tar Heels. The last matchup was on Feb. 2 when North Carolina won 87-77 at home.
North Carolina vs Syracuse Predictions
Injuries will significantly alter a team’s season, and it’s no different for North Carolina. With Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar unavailable, the Tar Heels need the rest of its squad to step up to keep their season in a stable position. However, any more lapses will damage their postseason hopes, something that the Orange will look forward to doing in this contest. Our betting pick here is the Orange to cover a 1-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Syracuse Orange +1
NCAAB
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