North Carolina Tar Heels betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 2

Pitt at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Pitt at North Carolina odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The Pitt Panthers (4-0, 0-0 ACC) and North Carolina Tar Heels (3-2, 0-1) tangle in a Week 6 conference contest in Chapel Hill Saturday. Kickoff at Kenan Stadium is set for noon ET (ESPN2).Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around Pitt vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Pitt heads into this contest off a bye week. The Panthers last played Sept. 21 when they decimated FCS Youngstown State 73-17. A quick-snap Pitt offense ranks 6th in the nation in total yards per game (522.8) and 5th in scoring (48.5 points per game).

North Carolina lost 21-20 at Duke Sept. 28, suffering its 2nd straight loss. The Tar Heels, who were 1.5-point favorites, led their in-state rivals 20-0 midway through the 3rd quarter, but Duke scored the final 3 touchdowns — 2 in the 4th quarter — to claim the win. UNC has not covered in its last 9 games, going 0-8-1 against the spread (ATS) along the way.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Pitt at North Carolina odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 12:05 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Pitt -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | North Carolina +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
Against the spread: Pitt -2.5 (-115) | North Carolina +2.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 63.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Pitt at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 35, Pitt 34

Moneyline

The Panthers and Tar Heels (+115) logged similar games in their last 2 meetings. In 2022, UNC defeated Pitt 42-24 in Chapel Hill as a 3-point favorite. In 2023, the Tar Heels downed the Panthers 41-24 in Pittsburgh as 7-point favorites.

UNC leads the all-time series, which includes 1 bowl game, 12-5. The Tar Heels are 7-0 in all-time meetings in Chapel Hill.

The Tar Heels are a lean here, but better value can be found in taking the points. PASS.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Against the spread

Since 2003, North Carolina is 7-3 ATS in this series.

Pitt has played 2 close games. Both were wins that could have easily gone the other way. The Panthers trailed by 2 TDs heading into the 4th quarter of a Sept. 7 contest at Cincinnati (UP prevailed 28-27). Pitt was then a turnover-plus-2 in a 38-34 home win over West Virginia the following week.

Passing is a strength for the Panthers, but that’s an area where North Carolina rates solidly in defensive success rate. And on offense, UNC can sling it, too. The Tar Hells have passed for 726 yards over the last 2 week, and pass defense is a success-rate liability for Pitt.

Pitt has logged 1 FBS game since Sept. 14. Might the Panthers — who have had slow starts before — struggle with a sleepy noon kickoff in what marks their 1st road game in 4 weeks?

A ML price change indicating money on the home side has not been as much reflected here, and there is value on NORTH CAROLINA +2.5 (-105).

Over/Under

The Over hit the last 2 meetings and is 8-2 across the last 10.

On a good-weather day in a game that should have plenty of passing on both sides, BACK THE OVER 63.5 (-110).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. 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=1622]

North Carolina at Duke odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s North Carolina at Duke odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The North Carolina Tar Heels (3-1) and the Duke Blue Devils (4-0) meet Saturday at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C., for the ACC opener for both sides. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the North Carolina vs. Duke odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

North Carolina was embarrassed last week against visiting James Madison, as the Dukes dropped 53 on it — in the 1st half! JMU left Chapel Hill with $500K from the Tar Heels and a 70-50 victory. UNC was favored by 10.5 points as the Over (48) was nearly tripled up.

The Tar Heels offense has scored 38 or more points in 3 straight games, but UNC is 0-3 against the spread (ATS) in the past 3 outings and 0-3-1 ATS in 4 games to date. The Over and Under have alternated in each of the 4 contests.

Duke has won all 4 games to date, scoring 26 or more points in each outing. The Blue Devils have covered 2 of the past 3 outings, while the Over is 2-0-1 in the 3-game span.

The Tar Heels lead the all-time series 66-40-4, according to the UNC media guide, including wins in the past 5 meetings. That means the Victory Bell, awarded to the winner of this rivalry on the gridiron, has resided in Chapel Hill since Nov. 10, 2018. However, Duke has covered the previous 2 meetings, including a wild 47-45 2OT loss in Chapel Hill Nov. 11, 2023, as a 10-point underdog. The Over is 3-1 in the past 4 in the series.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

North Carolina at Duke odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Friday at 7:21 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): North Carolina +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Duke -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
Against the spread: North Carolina +2.5 (-105) | Duke -2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 56 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

North Carolina at Duke picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 32, Duke 29

Moneyline

NORTH CAROLINA (+120) is a solid play straight up at plus-money, as it takes the short ride up US 15-501 looking to bring the Victory Bell back down the road with another win over its rivals.

Duke (-145) is 4-0 straight up this season, but it struggled to shake off UConn at home 2 weeks ago and Northwestern took the Blue Devils to 2OT in Evanston before Duke won 26-20. The Blue Devils even struggled against FCS Elon for a majority of the opener before pulling away.

While the Blue Devils should find plenty of room against the leaky UNC defense, the Tar Heels look to have a much more powerful offense.

Against the spread

Playing North Carolina +2.5 (-105) and laying money, rather than playing it straight up at plus-money, makes little sense, unless you believe Duke -2.5 (-115) will win outright, but only by 1 or 2 points.

PASS.

Over/Under

OVER 56 (-110) is a strong play in this rivalry game. It has cashed in 3 of the previous 4 meetings.

Duke has hit high on the total at a 2-0-1 clip in the past 3 outings, and Duke has scored 26 or more points on offense in each of its 4 games.

For UNC, the offense has racked up 38 or more points in 3 consecutive games, and the defense was obviously a disaster last weekend.

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 Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

James Madison at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s James Madison at North Carolina odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The North Carolina Tar Heels (3-0) welcome the James Madison Dukes (2-0) to Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon ET (ACC Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the James Madison vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

North Carolina opened its season up with a 19-17 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers on the road, pushing as a 1-point favorite. It beat the Charlotte 49ers 38-20 in Week 2 action and the North Carolina Central Eagles 45-10 in Week 3, failing to cover as a 21-point and 38-point favorite. North Carolina is 0-2-1 against the spread (ATS) through 3 weeks.

James Madison has also played the Charlotte 49ers and beat them 30-7 to start the season, covering as a 6.5-point favorite. It beat Gardner-Webb 13-6 in Week 2, failing to cover as a massive 36.5-point favorite. The Dukes are led by dual-threat QB Alonza Barnett who has 354 passing yards and 104 rushing yards in 2 games. The Dukes are 1-1 ATS.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

James Madison at North Carolina odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Friday at 2:51 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): James Madison +333 (bet $100 to win $333) | North Carolina -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): James Madison +10.5 (-110) | North Carolina -10.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

James Madison at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 27, James Madison 17

Moneyline

PASS.

There’s no real value here. The Tar Heels should come out on top and have done so in every game this season. However, they are too expensive to play to win outright.

Against the spread

BET JAMES MADISON +10.5 (-110).

North Carolina hasn’t covered large spreads this season, and that’s concerning. It won by 18 and 35, respectively closing as a 21-point and 38-point favorite. The Tar Heels don’t have a lot of consistency at quarterback with both their top options having a sub-63% completion percentage.

North Carolina is 0-2 ATS as a favorite of 10 or more. James Madison didn’t cover as a massive favorite in Week 2, but it did blow out Charlotte when it was only a 6.5-point favorite. Expect it to keep this within single digits. Take JAMES MADISON +10.5 (-110).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Over/Under

BET UNDER 48.5 (-110).

James Madison has gone Under in both games this season and has allowed a total of 13 points between those 2 games. It has held both its opponents this season to under 200 passing yards, so North Carolina may not be able to move the ball down the field frequently.

UNC has scored at will but has yet to allow more than 20 in a game. It went Under the 52.5-point total in its lone game as a favorite of less than 20. Expect a hard-fought and close battle. Take UNDER 48.5 (-110).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

North Carolina at Minnesota odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s North Carolina at Minnesota odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Minnesota Golden Gophers welcome the North Carolina Tar Heels to Huntington Bank Stadium Thursday for the season-opening game for both programs. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Minnesota odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Golden Gophers finished last season 6-7 and 3-6 in Big Ten action. Minnesota returns a slew of offensive players with 10 of the 11 starters with the program last season. QB Max Brosmer is the new addition, having spent the last several seasons with the New Hampshire Wildcats.

The Tar Heels will need to learn what life is like after QB Drake Maye, who was virtually the team’s entire offense last season. Maye was taken 3rd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. North Carolina finished a disappointing 8-5 and 4-4 in ACC play. It will be getting back RB Omarion Hampton, who rushed 1,504 yards last season with 16 TDs. The Tar Heels will be led by QB Max Johnson, who has had stints at Texas A&M and LSU, with his best season coming in 2021 with the Tigers where he threw for 27 TDs and 6 INTs.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

North Carolina at Minnesota odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 7:01 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): North Carolina -130 (bet $100 to win $100) | Minnesota +108 (bet $100 to win $108)
Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina -1.5 (-120) | Minnesota +1.5 (-102)
Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

North Carolina at Minnesota picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 27, Minnesota 23

Moneyline

BET NORTH CAROLINA (-130).

The Tar Heels have a solid accumulation of talent led by a veteran QB. In the ACC, Johnson should have less pressure than as the sole weapon at Texas A&M and is healthy entering 2024. He’s going to have skilled players like Hampton around him.

North Carolina throttled Minnesota 31-13 last season and won its first 6 games, which included non-conference wins over App State and South Carolina.

Minnesota did add Brosmer, but his play at this level is still in question. While he was a standout at New Hampshire, that’s certainly not the standard he’ll need to be at to succeed at Minnesota. The Golden Gophers were just 4-9 against the spread (ATS) last season.

Take the more talented team and back NORTH CAROLINA (-130).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Against the spread

PASS.

While there is some value here, the preferred risk is on the moneyline after the marginal spread. Either play is acceptable, but the moneyline is the preferred route.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 50.5 (-110).

While the offenses might have had some intense scrimmages and preseason action, things might not always go as planned to start the season. North Carolina and Minnesota both have new starting QBs who are unproven at this level.

Despite the dynamic offense with Maye leading the way, UNC was 6-6-1 O/U last season while Minnesota was 6-7 . Expect at least some early-game struggles for UNC to move the ball and back UNDER 50.5 (-110).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

March Madness: Alabama vs. North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Alabama vs. North Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The 4th-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide (23-11) face the top-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels (29-7) Thursday in a West Region Sweet 16 matchup. Tip-off from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles is set for 9:39 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook ‘s lines around the Alabama vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Alabama, ranked No. 18 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, has advanced in the tournament with victories over Charleston and Grand Canyon. In the latter win, a 72-61 triumph covering as 5-point favorites Sunday, the Tide had to battle back from a 3-point deficit with 5:43 remaining.

North Carolina, tabbed as the national No. 4 in the coaches poll, has defeated Wagner and Michigan State. The Tar Heels’ Saturday win over MSU was a sturdy 85-69 job, covering a 4-point spread. Since Feb. 17, UNC is 10-1 with an average margin of victory of 13.1 points.

UA and UNC have met twice in the last 5 years, both times in early-season tournaments on neutral floors. The Tar Heels won in 2019 in a contest played in the Bahamas. In 2022, Alabama nipped North Carolina 103-101 in an overtime contest played in Portland.

Alabama vs. North Carolina odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 9:05 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Alabama +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | North Carolina -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Alabama +4.5 (-110) | North Carolina -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 173.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Alabama vs. North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 85, Alabama 82

Moneyline

The lean here is on this being a close game, but UA is 1-9 straight up in its last 10 games as an underdog. Hold off on trying to cash on the Tide outright.

PASS.

Against the spread

The Crimson Tide are 9-5 ATS in non-SEC games.

Alabama looked to have been slumping in late February and early March, but its 2 tournament wins in this West bracket have been impressive.

Figure the public being a tad too high on the Tar Heels. While UNC has some systemic advantages (rebounding, free throws) in what figures to be a contest with a ton of possessions, its recent 3-point defense (39.6% last 3 games, 37.9% since Feb. 26) is a glaring issue against this fast-break, perimeter-launch Alabama 5.

On offense, Carolina can be goaded into taking too many mid-range, sub-optimal shots.

TAKE THE CRIMSON TIDE +4.5 (-110).

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Over/Under

Look for solid handles on the basketball at both ends, and figure inside looks for UA — normally a staple to be tougher to come by.

Both teams play fast. The Tide play exceedingly fast. And the only UNC-comparable defense they have seen in the SEC belongs to Tennessee. The O/U went 1-1 across UA and TU games in the regular season. The 2nd game was a drama-free Under; the 1st game hit the Over but only with some statistically unlikely transition and perimeter ball cranked out by the Volunteers.

BACK THE UNDER 173.5 (-110) in this one.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin /
College Sports Wire: Men’s hoops / Women’s hoops / High School

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness: Michigan State vs. North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Michigan State vs. North Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Michigan State Spartans (20-14) and North Carolina Tar Heels (28-7) are lined up for a West Region 2nd-round affair in Charlotte. Tip-off at Spectrum Center is slated for 5:30 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook ‘s lines around the Michigan State vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Michigan State, the No. 9 seed in the West, advanced through the 1st round after a 69-51 triumph as a 1.5-point favorite over 8th-seeded Mississippi State Thursday. MSU went 10-for-23 (43.5%) on 3-pointers with G Tyson Walker sinking 3 of 6 and finishing with a game-high 19 points. It was the Spartans’ 3rd consecutive cover against the spread.

North Carolina, ranked No. 5 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, is the top seed in the West Region. The Tar Heels backed that up accordingly with a 90-62 rout of No. 16 seed Wagner Thursday, covering as 25.5-point favorites. UNC is 9-1 over its last 10 games, and has scored 90-plus in 3 of those 10.

Michigan State vs. North Carolina odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:42 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Michigan State +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | North Carolina -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Michigan State +3.5 (-105) | North Carolina -3.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 140.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Michigan State vs. North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 72, Michigan State 70

Moneyline

MSU (+150) is the lean here but has better relative value getting the points. Should this tag reach +165 or so, the Spartans are a value play. PASS otherwise.

Against the spread

The Spartans are 8-4 ATS in non-conference play. UNC is 2-4 ATS when playing on 1-or-fewer days of rest. The Tar Heels are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games against a Big Ten opponent.

North Carolina likes to play with pace and is efficient at both ends. The Tar Heels have averaged a robust 81.7 points per game this season, and they excel in taking care of the basketball while playing up-tempo ball.

MSU is content to keep possessions in check and is 8-4 ATS when facing teams averaging 77-plus PPG. Still, the Spartans may need to have another good game from beyond the arc to make this a 50-50 game at the end. But in that regard, they are battling a UNC 5 that has trailed off in perimeter defense of late.

TAKE MICHIGAN STATE +3.5 (-105).

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Over/Under

The Over is 4-1 in Carolina’s last 5 games. It is 8-2 in 10 UNC neutral-site games.

Expect some lofty free-throw totals for the Tar Heels and at least the fair possibility of 9-or-more triples for the Spartans. Peg the public as reading into MSU’s low Thursday score a bit too much.

BET OVER 140.5 (-110) — the lean here isn’t much, so consider a partial-unit play.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness: Wagner vs. North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Wagner vs. North Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Wagner Seahawks (17-15) and North Carolina Tar Heels (27-7) tangle in a West Region 1st-round game in Charlotte. Tip time at the Spectrum Center is slated for 2:45 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Wagner vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Wagner made the Tournament field as champions of the Northeast Conference. The Seahawks registered an underdog win in a Tuesday First Four game in Dayton. The No. 16 seed was a 3-point underdog in that one, a 71-68 triumph over Howard. The victory marked the Seahawks’ 4th in a row, marking the program’s longest streak since December of 2022.

North Carolina is ranked No. 5 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The West Region No. 1 seed won the regular-season ACC title, but the Tar Heels were ousted by NC State in the ACC Tournament title game Saturday. In that contest, UNC was a 10½-point favorite but was outshot by a wide margin in an 84-76 loss. The Wolfpack outshot the Tar Heels 54.9% to 37.3% from the floor.

THE BRACKETS ARE BACK! The USA TODAY Sports Bracket Challenge is back! $1 MILLION grand prize for a perfect bracket, $25,000 prize for top bracket. Free to enter, 21+. Terms apply, void where prohibited by law. See Official Rules. Play now!

Wagner vs. North Carolina odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:230 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Wagner +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000) | North Carolina -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Wagner +24.5 (-105) | North Carolina -24.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 133.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Can you survive? USA TODAY Sports’ Men and Women’s Basketball Tournament Survivor Pools are here with a $2,500 prize for each contest! Free to enter, 21+. Terms apply, void where prohibited by law. See Official Rules. Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Wagner vs. North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 76, Wagner 56

Moneyline

PASS. Look for better relative value against the spread.

Against the spread

Wagner has played a suspect schedule, one ranked No. 361 by KenPom, and the Seahawks went into March having won just 13 games. Wagner is a very young team playing great perimeter defense of late (26.5% opponent 3-point accuracy across the last 7 games) and grinding games down to a glacial pace.

North Carolina will have a mammoth talent advantage in this one. Just as it had against 5 previous Quad 4 foes this season, games in which the Tar Heels went 2-3 ATS.

The Seahawks have won 4 in a row against the number. Perhaps the home-away-from-home Tar Heels succumb to a somewhat sleepy time slot or peeks ahead past a 16-seed. A Carolina win by 20-plus, yet still one not reaching this bar is likely enough to warrant an account login for WAGNER +24.5 (-105).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Over/Under

WU games lined in the 130’s have seen the Under go 10-2. UNC ranks 23rd in the nation in scoring, at 81.6 points per game, but the Under has prevailed in 5 of its last 8 games.

When playing the faster teams in the NEC, the Seahawks have been successful in making Unders a profitable play. Both teams defend the 3-ball well and are solid enough in defensive rebounding. Those are relative matchups: The Tar Heels will still get their points, but UNDER 133.5 (-110) is worth a partial-unit play.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

ACC Tournament: NC State vs. North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s NC State vs. North Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The NC State Wolfpack (21-14) square off against the North Carolina Tar Heels (27-6) in the ACC Tournament Championship Game from Capital One Arena Saturday. Tip is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the NC State vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

NC State took Virginia to overtime Friday night and blew the doors off the arena, outscoring it 15-7 in the extra frame to capture a 73-65 win. F DJ Burns Jr. led the way with 19, and C Mohamed Diarra had 9 points and 12 boards. The Wolfpack upset Duke, 74-69, Thursday as 11-point underdogs and stand in the spotlight against their in-state rivals. They lost to the Tar Heels by 9 and 13 in their meetings this season.

UNC, No. 4 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, was given a scare by the Pitt Panthers Friday night as they got down by 9 early on. UNC trimmed the lead to 2 and took control in the 2nd half to win 72-65. F Armando Bacot had 19 points and 11 boards. They walked all over Florida State in a 92-67 laugher Thursday.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

NC State vs. North Carolina odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:20 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): NC State +440 (bet $100 to win $440) | North Carolina -610 (bet $610 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): NC State +10.5 (-120) | North Carolina -10.5 (-102)
Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

NC State vs. North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 69, NC State 66

Moneyline

There is 1 way that NC State wins this game and punches its ticket to the Big Dance. It’ll have to slow this game down and use its size in the paint. Burns and Diarra have the advantage underneath. If it goes to them early and gets Bacot into foul trouble, that’s its only recipe for success. NC State was just 3-for-17 from distance in the semis against UVA and tied for 152 at 34.5% on the season. Tar Heels G RJ Davis had 25 against Pitt, and he’s the best player on the floor. However, if NC State gets to Bacot, it’ll expose them.

Can NC State pull off the massive upset in order to get the tournament? Perhaps. I’m just not willing to do anything more than toss a free bet on it because UNC is too talented.

Instead, take DJ BURNS JR. OVER 10.5 POINTS (-120). He has 11+ in 3 of 4 games, and he’s massive in the paint at 6-foot-9, 275 pounds.

Against the spread

I’m all over NC State catching 10.5 points here because I think it could upset the complacent Tar Heels. I didn’t like the energy UNC came out with against Pitt, and if it does that against the Wolfpack, it’ll be too late to awaken from the catnap.

Take NC STATE +10.5 (-120).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Over/Under

As I mentioned, the only chance NC State has is to slow this down and work it inside. Whether or not they’re successful doesn’t matter, but the effort in itself will peg this one toward the Under. The Under has cashed in 4 straight matchups between the schools, but this one is significantly lower. It sounds like the books agree with my assessment on the pace of play.

LEAN UNDER 144.5 (-110).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

North Carolina at Duke odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s North Carolina at Duke odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The No. 7 North Carolina Tar Heels (24-6, 16-3 ACC) take on the No. 8 Duke Blue Devils (24-6, 15-4) Saturday at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Tip is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Duke odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

UNC, No. 7 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, has won 5 straight after an 84-51 haymaker to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Tuesday. G RJ Davis had 22 points and 6 assists. F Armando Bacot had 14 points and was 2-for-2 from behind the arc. Bacot had a huge game in the 93-84 home win over Duke Feb. 3 with 25 points, 10 boards and 5 assists.

Duke, No. 8 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, has only lost twice in the last 13 games. It covered as a 6-point favorite in a 79-64 victory over NC State Monday. G Jeremy Roach had 21 points but shot just 1-for-7 from deep. He is just 1-for-11 (9.1%) from behind the arc in his last 2 games.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

North Carolina at Duke odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9:05 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): North Carolina +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Duke -194 (bet $194 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina +4.5 (-110) | Duke -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 150.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

North Carolina at Duke picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 76, Duke 72

Moneyline

Duke is 15-2 at home, but UNC has won 3 of the last 4 meetings at Cameron. C Kyle Filipowski hasn’t been the same since the infamous knee injury after the loss to Wake Forest. He has been held below double figures in 3 of the 6 games since then. Roach is struggling from deep, and the Tar Heels are really humming right now.

Take NORTH CAROLINA +160.

Against the spread

Even if UNC can’t get it done, I still like it to cover this spread. UNC is 6-4 ATS in the last 10 meetings with Duke. UNC covered in the 9-point victory at its house as a 5-point favorite.

Take NORTH CAROLINA +4.5 (-110).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Over/Under

Duke is just 2-8 O/U over the last 10 games while UNC is 4-6. They take it to another level when facing one another, though, as the Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings. After 177 points in the 1st meeting, this OVER 150.5 (-110) looks like easy money.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

Notre Dame at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Notre Dame at North Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-17, 7-11 ACC) and North Carolina Tar Heels (23-6, 15-3) meet Tuesday at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ACC Network). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Notre Dame vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Fighting Irish are playing their best basketball of the season, posting back-to-back wins, and victories in 5 of the past 6 outings. Notre Dame has tied a season best with 4 straight covers, too, while going 5-1 against the spread (ATS) across the previous 6 contests.

This is the 1st meeting since Feb. 22, 2023, when UNC picked up a 63-59 win in South Bend, although the Irish earned the cover as 6-point underdogs. UNC has won 8 of the past 10 in the series, but the Irish are 3-2 ATS in the past 5 meetings, with the Over going 3-1 in the past 4 in the series.

The Tar Heels have picked up 4 straight wins since Feb. 13, a 86-79 loss at Syracuse. UNC has failed to cover the past 2 outings, both as a double-digit favorite. The Under has cashed in 3 consecutive contests.

North Carolina is No. 7 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Notre Dame at North Carolina odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:32 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Notre Dame +980 (bet $100 to win $980) | North Carolina -2000 (bet $2,000 to win $100)
Against the spread: Notre Dame +15.5 (-114) | North Carolina -15.5 (-106)
Over/Under (O/U): 137.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Notre Dame at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 73, Notre Dame 61

Moneyline

North Carolina (-2000) will cost you 20 times your potential return, and that’s obviously way too much risk and not enough reward. In fact, for every $100 risked, you would make just $5 of profit.

Even as part of a multi-team parlay, there is just no sense including UNC as part of your ticket.

PASS.

Against the spread

NOTRE DAME +15.5 (-114) is a strong play catching more than 15 points.

The Fighting Irish have covered 4 in a row, and 5 of the past 6 games, and it is a solid 6-2 ATS in the previous 8 as an underdog of 9.5 or more points.

North Carolina -15.5 (-106) cannot be trusted. UNC has failed to cover as a double-digit favorite in its last 2 games, while going just 2-5 ATS in the previous 7 games since Feb. 6. At home, it is just 4-5 ATS in 9 conference battles this season.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Over/Under

UNDER 137.5 (-105) is a little on the low side, but it’s a solid play.

The total went low last time out for the Fighting Irish against Clemson in a 69-62 win as the Under (132.5) just came through. The Under is 2-1 in the past 3 games on the road, too.

For the Tar Heels, the Under has cashed in 3 in a row, while going 4-3 in the past 7 conference games at the Dean Dome, too.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]