It will be a battle between ACC opponents when the North Carolina State Wolfpack (12-6, 2-3 ACC) welcome the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-9, 1-4 ACC) to PNC Arena. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 18, 2018.
North Carolina State is a 5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 158 points.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack Free Prediction
The last time the Demon Deacons played, they were thoroughly outplayed by the No. 7 Duke Blue Devils, 89-71. One of Duke’s biggest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They made 34 trips to the line, while Wake Forest went just nine times. Bryant Crawford led Wake Forest in scoring with 21 points on 8-for-17 shooting.
The Wolfpack fell to the No. 3 Virginia Cavaliers in their last game, 68-51. One of Virginia’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 14-16 (87.5 percent), while the Wolfpack were just 3-5 (60.0 percent). With 16 points on 7-for-12 shooting, Torin Dorn led North Carolina State in scoring.
North Carolina State could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their prolific offense faces off against one of the worst defenses in the NCAA. The Wolfpack currently rank 48th in offensive efficiency, while Wake Forest ranks 263rd in defensive efficiency.
Wake Forest holds records of 8-9 straight up (SU) and 6-9 against the spread (ATS). Of the Demon Deacons’ 15 games with betting action, 10 have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, North Carolina State owns records of 12-6 SU and 5-6 ATS. Contrary to Wake Forest, Wolfpack games have a tendency to go over the projected point total (63.6 percent).
After the Demon Deacons won both meetings against the Wolfpack last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent game, Wake Forest won 88-58. Wake Forest’s 0.631 effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over North Carolina State, who had a mark of 0.371.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Wake Forest, ATS Winner – Wake Forest, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Wake Forest is 3-5 ATS on the road with 7 unders and 1 over.
At home, North Carolina State is 4-1 ATS with 5 overs and 0 unders.
North Carolina State ranks 42nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.4) while Wake Forest ranks 214th (24.5).
The Wolfpack average 15.1 assists per game, which ranks 84th in the nation. The Demon Deacons rank 181st in assists allowed per game (14.6).
North Carolina State ranks 25th in steals per game (8.3) while Wake Forest ranks 106th (6.4).
The Demon Deacons average 3.7 blocks per game, which ranks 88th in the NCAA. The Wolfpack rank 119th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
Wake Forest ranks 122nd in rebounds per game (36.5) while North Carolina State ranks 143rd in rebounds allowed per game (35.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Wake Forest is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
North Carolina State is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Demon Deacons have been outscored by an average of 6.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Wake Forest has defeated opponents by an average of 2.5 points.
During their last five games, the Wolfpack have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (12.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 79.2 points per game (6.6 above their season average).
