[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]
The No. 16 Florida Gators (6-0) face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-1) Thursday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. Tip-off is set for 2:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Florida vs. West Forest odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.
The Gators remained unbeaten on Friday, dominating the Southern Illinois Salukis 93-68. Florida covered the 18.5-point spread and the Over 159 hit. The Gators showcased strong defense, with 7 steals and 9 blocks. Florida Atlantic transfer Alijah Martin was the star, with 32 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.
Wake Forest enters the Thanksgiving Day game on a 2-game win streak after defeating the Detroit Mercy Titans 67-57 on Saturday, but failing to cover as 24-point favorites as the Under 141 cashed. Detroit dominated the boards 48-31, but committed 14 turnovers. Senior G Hunter Sallis led the Demon Deacons with 31 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.
– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll
Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+
Florida vs. Wake Forest odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 12:56 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Florida -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Wake Forest +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
- Against the spread: Florida -6.5 (-115) | Wake Forest +6.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 151.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]
Florida vs. Wake Forest picks and predictions
Prediction
Florida 76, Wake Forest 68
Moneyline
PASS.
Florida (-250) will win and cover on Thanksgiving which is why I’ll take my wager to the spread.
Against the spread
BET FLORIDA -6.5 (-115).
I’m sticking with the Gators here. Florida has dominated in all their wins, each by double digits, and they haven’t faced a serious test yet. In their last game against Southern Illinois, they shot 46.7% from the field, recorded 25 assists, and committed just 6 turnovers. The Gators have scored 81+ points in all six games, and this will be their toughest test so far.
Florida’s guard trio of Martin, Walter Clayton Jr., and Will Richard is a huge advantage, with the ability to score from anywhere. Wake Forest has Sallis, a standout player, but they lack consistent scoring beyond him. The Demon Deacons are struggling with turnovers and shooting from 3.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 151.5 (-110).
Florida is one of the top offensive teams in the country, scoring over 80 points in every game this season. Despite this, the Gators have gone Under in 3 of their last 5 games. Wake Forest has hit the Under in 5 of their 7 contests and has struggled to score against tough competition, allowing over 70 points in both of their toughest matchups. Florida will likely score over 80 points, but Wake Forest’s slow pace and poor 3-point shooting will prevent them from keeping up, making the Under the more likely outcome.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow @DrewPhelps05 on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Duke / Florida / Florida State / Georgia / Iowa / Kentucky / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / Washington / Wisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]