Offense meets defense when the North Carolina State Wolfpack (11-5, 1-2 ACC) welcome the No. 19 Clemson Tigers (14-1, 3-0 ACC) to PNC Arena. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 11, 2018.
Clemson opened as a 4-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 146.5 points.
Clemson Tigers at North Carolina State Wolfpack Betting Prediction
In the Tigers’ last game, they defeated the Louisville Cardinals, 74-69. Clemson’s 12.5 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Louisville, who had a rate of 23.8. The Tigers’ mark was better than their season average of 16.1, while the Cardinals’ was above their season average of 14.2. Elijah Thomas was a key piece for Clemson with 12 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks.
The Wolfpack defeated the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils in their last contest, 96-85. The Wolfpack forced 16 turnovers and held the Blue Devils to an offensive rebounding percentage of 37.5 (below their season average of 43.0). Omer Yurtseven led North Carolina State in scoring with 16 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. North Carolina State currently ranks 37th in offensive efficiency and Clemson is 18th in defensive efficiency.
Clemson comes into the game with records of 14-1 straight up (SU) and 8-4 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Tigers tend to go under the total (58.3 percent).
North Carolina State is 11-5 SU, but they struggle covering the spread (4-5 ATS). Contrary to Clemson, games featuring the Wolfpack tend to finish over the total (66.7 percent).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Thomas recorded 10 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks in the first game, in which the Tigers defeated the Wolfpack 78-62, covering as 10-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 140 points, which was 8.5 points below the projected point total of 148.5 points. The Tigers had a much better turnover percentage (10.9 vs. 16.2) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.485 vs. 0.386).
Clemson Tigers vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Clemson, ATS Winner – North Carolina State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Clemson is 3-3 ATS with 3 overs and 3 unders.
North Carolina State is 3-1 ATS at home with 4 overs and 0 unders.
Clemson ranks 20th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while North Carolina State ranks 115th (6.6).
The Tigers rank 22nd in blocks per game (5.5) while the Wolfpack rank 114th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
Clemson ranks 22nd in assists allowed per game (10.4) while North Carolina State ranks 107th (13.0).
The Tigers rank 120th in rebounds per game (36.6) while the Wolfpack rank 137th in rebounds allowed per game (35.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Clemson is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
North Carolina State is 1-2 ATS with 2 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Tigers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.0, down from 14.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wolfpack have scored an average of 82.6 points per game (0.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.8 points per game (4.2 above their season average).
