Notre Dame at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

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

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-7, 0-4 ACC) battle the North Carolina Tar Heels (10-5, 2-2) Saturday. Tip from the Dean Smith Center is set for 11:30 a.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Notre Dame vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

North Carolina took down Wake Forest 88-79 Wednesday but failed to cover as a 10-point home favorite. The Tar Heels are just 4-10-1 against the spread (ATS) this season. They are a perfect 7-0 straight up at home though. North Carolina has failed to cover 3 straight but is 3-3 ATS over its last 6. UNC ranks 24th in the nation in points per game (81.4).

Notre Dame was upset as a 2.5-point road favorite at Boston College 70-63 Tuesday. The Fighting Irish are only 3-12 ATS, including 2-8 ATS over their last 10. Notre Dame’s strength is shooting from deep, ranking 43rd in 3-point field-goal percentage (37.7%), according to Covers.com.

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Notre Dame at North Carolina odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11:47 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Notre Dame +525 (bet $100 to win $525) | North Carolina -850 (bet $100 to win $850)
  • Against the spread: Notre Dame +12.5 (-110) | North Carolina -12.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Notre Dame at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 78, Notre Dame 71

Moneyline

PASS.

North Carolina’s -850 price is way too risky even with UNC being 8-0 at home and Notre Dame 0-2 on the road (not counting neutral-site games). A North Carolina (-850) moneyline is unplayable, even in a parlay.

Against the spread

LEAN NOTRE DAME +12.5 (-110).

North Carolina is just 3-4 ATS at home this season and has failed to cover 3 in a row, 1 of which was at home (the 9-point win over Wake Forest). The Tar Heels are just 3-6-1 ATS over their last 10, so they haven’t been defeating opponents by as much as books would think lately.

As for the Fighting Irish, they have been awful ATS as well, posting just a 3-12 record. However, they do hold opponents to 31.8% from deep, and the Tar Heels have snipers.

With a spread of this size in a conference game, BACK NOTRE DAME +12.5 (-110) to limit their opponents’ 3-point shooting and keep the game reasonably close.

Over/Under

BET OVER 144.5 (-110).

While Notre Dame should be able to slow down North Carolina’s shooters, it ranks 316th in opponents’ field-goal percentage at 46.1% (according to NCAA.org). So, the high-octane Tar Heels attack mixed with the Fighting Irish’s overall defensive inefficiencies should be the perfect combination for points to be scored and the Over to cash.

The Fighting Irish score 69.7 points per game as well, so they hold their own offensively. They’ve gone Over in 3 of their last 5. North Carolina has gone Over in 5 straight and is 9-6 O/U this season.

Ultimately, OVER 144.5 (-110) is my FAVORITE BET in this contest.

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North Carolina at Pittsburgh odds, picks and predictions

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

The North Carolina Tar Heels (9-4, 1-1 ACC) visit the Pittsburgh Panthers (9-4, 2-0) Friday. Tip from Petersen Events Center is set for noon ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Pittsburgh odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

North Carolina beat Michigan 80-76 on a neutral court Dec. 21 but failed to cover as 5-point favorites. The Tar Heels are 4-8-1 against the spread (ATS) but have covered 3 of their last 4 games. Returning many players from their championship-winning roster a season ago, the expectations have not met the reality. North Carolina is 0-2 straight up in true road games.

Pittsburgh is 6-1 straight up at home. The Panthers are coming off an 84-82 win over Syracuse, covering as 3.5-point road underdogs. The Panthers have an impressive 9-3-1 ATS record and have covered 8 games in a row. Pittsburgh has seen success behind a defense that ranks 73rd in opponents’ field goal percentage (40.5%) and 43rd in opponents’ three-point field goal percentage (29.1%).

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North Carolina at Pittsburgh odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:20 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): North Carolina -290 (bet $290 to win $100) | Pittsburgh +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina -6.5 (-110) | Pittsburgh +6.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 149.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

North Carolina at Pittsburgh picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 79, Pittsburgh 73

Moneyline

PASS.

There’s no value betting on North Carolina (-290) here. However, while I do like Pittsburgh (+210) to cover I wouldn’t play their moneyline despite that the payout for a team that is 6-1 straight up at home is enticing.

Against the spread

LEAN PITTSBURGH +6.5 (-110).

Pittsburgh is 6-1 straight up at home while UNC is 0-2 straight up on the road. The season-long ATS records point to Pitt as well with it being 9-3-1 which compares favorably to UNC’s 4-8-1.

UNC lost to Virginia Tech and Indiana on the road in its last 6 games, so I wouldn’t trust the Tar Heels to get things done as they haven’t proven they can away from the Dean Smith Center.

Over/Under

BET OVER 149.5 (-110).

UNC has gone Over in 3 straight games and scored 75 or more in 5 straight, including 80 or more in its last 3. It is 7-6 O/U this season and ranks 30th in points per game (81.5).

Pittsburgh has gone Over in 3 of its last 4 games and is 8-5 O/U this season. They have also scored at least 80 in their last 3 games.

This should be a high-tempo game with plenty of talented scorers taking the court. Back the OVER 149.5 (-110).

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Holiday Bowl: North Carolina vs. Oregon odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s North Carolina vs. Oregon Holiday Bowl odds and lines, with expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 14 Oregon Ducks (9-3) and the No. 25 North Carolina Tar Heels (9-4) meet in the Holiday Bowl Wednesday at Petco Park in San Diego. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Oregon odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Rankings courtesy of AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

North Carolina lost its last game of the season 39-10 to Clemson, failing to cover as 7-point home underdogs. The Tar Heels were 6-7 against the spread (ATS) this season. They were captained by QB Drake Maye, the ACC Offensive Player of the Year. There have been a plethora of rumors regarding if he will enter the transfer portal, but Maye seems set to return to UNC and appears set to play Wednesday.

Maye will face Oregon star Bo Nix in what has been called the best QB matchup in the Holiday Bowl’s 43-year history. Behind Nix, the Ducks were 8-4 ATS. They lost 2 of their last 3 after winning 8 straight games after a blowout loss to Georgia to start the season. The Ducks were 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games.

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North Carolina at Oregon odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 9:33 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): North Carolina +390 (bet $100 to win $390) | Oregon -525 (bet $525 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina +13 (-111) | Oregon -13 (-109)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 75.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

North Carolina at Oregon picks and predictions

Prediction

Oregon 41, North Carolina 31

Moneyline

PASS.

Oregon is the better side and had far fewer struggles than North Carolina. Nonetheless, at (-525), the Ducks are unplayable to win outright. The Tar Heels could be worth a look at (+390), but I would look to the spread for value.

Against the spread

BET NORTH CAROLINA +13 (-111).

Maye and company have the firepower to keep this game close. Their 39-10 loss to Clemson left a bad taste in the mouth of bettors, but it was their lone loss by 14 or more this season, having also played Notre Dame and Wake Forest.

UNC was perfect away from home this season (6-0) as well. Oregon, on the other hand, lost 2 of its last 3, one of which was to the unranked Oregon State 38-34. The Ducks were 4-1 on the road this season.

Considering the strength of Maye and the size of this spread, back NORTH CAROLINA +13 (-111).

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 75.5 (-112).

Both teams have high-octane offenses, but this total is too high to bet the Over. The Tar Heels are 6-7 O/U this season, and while the Ducks are 7-5 O/U, they have gone Under in 3 of their last 4 games.

Oregon is 1-2 O/U with a total in the 70s. Similarly, the only time the Tar Heels had a total in this range (80 against Wake Forest), the score ended 36-34.

Considering how the teams have performed with totals at this amount, back the UNDER 75.5 (-112).

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Michigan vs. North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

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

The Michigan Wolverines (7-3) will travel to Charlotte to battle the North Carolina Tar Heels (8-4) Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Michigan vs. North Carolina  odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

North Carolina, after a sluggish start on Saturday, was able to overcome Ohio State and post a thrilling 89-84 overtime win as a 3.5-point favorite against the Buckeyes. This win was a possible momentum change in a season which has so far been not what preseason No. 1 North Carolina expected.

Michigan lost 73-69 to Kentucky in London on Dec. 4 but has returned to  the states 90-75 win over Minnesota and then a 83-75 win over Lipscomb on Saturday, but failing to cover as 11.5-point favorites.

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Michigan vs. North Carolina odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:46 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Michigan +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | North Carolina -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Michigan +5.5 (-115) | North Carolina -5.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 154.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Michigan vs. North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 75, Michigan 67

Moneyline

PASS.

Coming off a strong comeback win against Ohio State on Saturday, UNC is looking to get back on track this season heading into regular ACC play. With Michigan coming in after struggling a bit with Lipscomb, this should be another Tar Heels victory. But at -230, the mneyline is a too high to make a straight wager on the game. But it would be a nice addition to a parlay.

Against the spread

BET NORTH CAROLINA -5.5 (-105).

Both teams have struggled a bit to open their seasons. But UNC has more talent and playing this game in the state of North Carolina will also make a significant difference.

While this is not a true home game for UNC, it will be a Tar Heels crowd in Charlotte, and this will make a difference against a Michigan team which is only 2-2 on neutral courts this season. And 5.5 points is a lot between 2 evenly matched teams. But I am willing to lay it with the Tar Heels. Give me the Tar Heels -5.5 (-105) as my favorite play.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 154.5 (-110).

UNC put up 89 on Saturday, but that was in an overtime game. If the game had not gotten to overtime, this number would not have hit. Michigan was only able to manage 75 against an overmatched Lipscomb team at home. This Tar Heels team will not be overmatched, and they will hold down the Wolverines in this game. If this game is closer then expected, this game could get to the Over with fouls at the end. But I see UNC winning this game comfortably and I do not see this game quite getting to 154.5. I will take the Under 154.5 (-110) for the game.

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North Carolina vs. Ohio State odds, picks and predictions

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

The North Carolina Tar Heels (7-4) and No. 21 Ohio State Buckeyes (7-2) tangle in Saturday’s CBS Sports Classic in New York. The opening tip from Madison Square Garden will be at 3 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Ohio State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

North Carolina has logged back-to-back wins (and covers) after losing 4 in a row from Nov. 25-Dec. 4. The Tar Heels shot just 23.7% from 3-point range during their skid, but they clocked 15 triples in a 100-67 win over The Citadel Tuesday.

Ohio State has been dialed in in defending the perimeter. The Buckeyes have allowed more than 5 treys just twice in 9 games and have held foes to a 27.9% mark on 3s (28th).

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North Carolina vs. Ohio State odds

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

  • Moneyline: North Carolina -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Ohio State +122 (bet $100 to win $122)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina -2.5 (-115) | Ohio State +2.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 150.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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North Carolina vs. Ohio State picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 76, Ohio State 70

Moneyline

Peg UNC as the more battle-tested between these two veteran lineups so far. The Tar Heels figure to have an edge in the turnover and free-throw exchanges and are worth a look perhaps up to -135. But PASS on the current tag.

Against the spread

The Buckeyes are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against teams playing .600 ball or better. The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 UNC-OSU meetings.

A big North Carolina frontcourt is the difference here. The UNC offense flows through the paint with talented big men like F Armando Bacot and F Pete Nance able to get quality shots and/or force contact and trips to the free-throw line.

In earlier neutral-floor missteps against Iowa State (70-65 loss Nov. 25) and Alabama (104-101 four-overtime loss Nov. 27), the Tar Heels led late. Look for enough edge in this contest to warrant a partial-unit play on NORTH CAROLINA -2.5 (-115).

Over/Under

The Under is 4-1 in the Tar Heels’ last 5 games after scoring more than 90 points in their previous game.

Two veteran groups in a mid-pace neutral-site game makes for a slight lean on the Under. But HOLD OFF on any figure south of 151.5.

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Georgia Tech at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

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

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-3, 0-0) and the North Carolina Tar Heels (5-4, 0-1) meet Saturday at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Georgia Tech vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

The Yellow Jackets posted a 79-77 win over rival Georgia last time out Tuesday, although Georgia Tech filed to cover the 4.5-point number. The Yellow Jackets have alternated no-covers and covers in the past 6 outings. The Over has hit in the past 2 games after a 6-0 Under run to start the season.

The Tar Heels opened the season 5-0 SU, and UNC was ranked No. 1 at one point. UNC lost 70-65 in Portland on a neutral floor against Iowa State Nov. 25, and that kicked off a 4-game losing streak. UNC is also just 1-7-1 ATS in 9 games overall this season.

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Georgia Tech at North Carolina odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Georgia Tech +575 (bet $100 to win $575) | North Carolina -950 (bet $950 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Georgia Tech +13.5 (-115) | North Carolina -13.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 143.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Georgia Tech at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 72, Georgia Tech 68

Moneyline

PASS.

A +575 is enticing for Tech, but UNC should right the ship.

Against the spread

GEORGIA TECH +13.5 (-115) is the play here, as North Carolina -13.5 (-105) has no business laying double digits to anybody with the way its playing right now.

Toss in the fact F Armando Bacot is sidelined indefinitely due to a shoulder injury, and UNC will do well to just snap its 4-game losing streak and get a win by any margin.

Over/Under

UNDER 143.5 (-110) is worth a look, but play it rather lightly.

For Tech, it’s all about the Under lately. The Under has hit in 6 of the past 8 games overall for the Yellow Jackets, while going 4-0 in the past 4 games on the road.

And with UNC, the Under is 4-1 in the past 5 at the Smith Center, while going 4-1 in the past 5 games against teams with a winning overall mark.

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North Carolina at Virginia Tech odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s North Carolina at Virginia Tech odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 15 North Carolina Tar Heels (5-3, 0-0 ACC) visit the Virginia Tech Hokies (7-1, 0-0) in a game that marks the ACC opener for both teams. Tip time at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg is slated for 3 p.m. ET (ACC Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

North Carolina has not played at home since Nov. 20. This contest at Va. Tech marks the Tar Heels’ 5th straight game away from Chapel Hill (3 neutral-site, 2 road).

In the most recent of those road tilts, UNC fell to No. 8 Indiana 77-65 as a 4.5-point underdog Wednesday. North Carolina — which went 15-5 in ACC play last season (2nd place) — was a bit flat in that contest. The Tar Heels shot a season-low 33.9% and were not within 2 scores over the final 15 minutes.

The Hokies take to their home hardwood with a 7-1 mark on the season, but there are just 2-6 against the spread. Those 6 ATS setbacks have come in a row since opening the season with 2 ATS wins. That stretch includes Virginia Tech defeating Minnesota 67-57 Monday in their last contest, but failing to cover a 12.5-point spread.

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North Carolina at Virginia Tech odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:25 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: North Carolina -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Virginia Tech -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina +1.5 (-125) | Virginia Tech -1.5 (+105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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North Carolina at Virginia Tech picks and predictions

Prediction

Virginia Tech 68, North Carolina 66

Moneyline

UVA is the would-be lean and likely would have been an actionable one at a better price if Carolina came into this game playing level ball. The UNC slump has depressed the payout.

PASS.

Against the spread

North Carolina beat Virginia Tech twice in the regular season last year. The Hokies then dealt the Tar Heels a 72-59 loss in the ACC Tournament (March 11). That meeting and the one before it were Unders by healthy margins, and that’s the better betting play for Sunday.

AVOID.

Over/Under

The Under is 4-0 in Virginia Tech’s last 4 games following an ATS loss.

This contest between veteran ACC lineups is ripe for a patient, defensive tussle. The Hokies have been hot on their 2-point looks and may be due for some regression in those shooting numbers. The quality looks they get are tilted toward the paint, and UNC shines in defending those attempts.

Neither side is 3-point dependent. Both teams have solid handles on the ball, and neither is apt to pile up a lot of 2nd-chance points. Carolina does well to get to the free-throw line with great frequency, but the visitors are met with defensive VT numbers that swing the other way at a like impressive level.

The Hokies play at a bottom-third tempo. This contest against road-weary North Carolina could well land in the low 130s.

BACK THE UNDER 142.5 (-115).

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ACC Championship: Clemson vs. North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Clemson vs. North Carolina ACC Championship Game odds and lines, with expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 8 Clemson Tigers (10-2, 8-0 ACC) meet the No. 17 North Carolina Tar Heels (9-3, 6-2) Saturday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Clemson vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Ranking courtesy of AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY sports

The Tigers are looking to rebound after a disappointing 31-30 loss at home to rival South Carolina in the regular-season finale, ending any chances of a shot at the College Football Playoffs. Clemson is just 2-2 SU in the last 4 games, while going 2-3 ATS in the last 5 games.

The Tar Heels were also bested by their rivals in the season finale, falling to NC State 30-27 in double overtime. UNC clinched the Coastal Division with a win Nov. 12 at Wake Forest, and proceeded to drop the final 2 games. The Under is 3-1 in the last 4 games for North Carolina.

These teams didn’t meet during the regular season and last played in 2019. The Tigers have won 4 straight in the series that started in 1897 and lead 38-15-1.

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Clemson vs. North Carolina odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:06 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Clemson -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | North Carolina +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Against the spread: Clemson -8 (-109) | North Carolina +8 (-111)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 63.5 (O: -109 | U: -111)

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Clemson vs. North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

Clemson 34, North Carolina 30

Moneyline

Clemson (-300) is a little on the expensive side, costing you 3 times your potential return. That’s too much risk, and not enough reward, even if North Carolina (+240) has dropped 2 in a row and comes in with zero momentum.

PASS.

Against the spread

NORTH CAROLINA +8 (-111) is worth playing, even though the Tar Heels come in with very little momentum. QB Drake Maye has been among the most consistent quarterbacks in the ACC, and he and WR Josh Downs have had quite the rapport. Maye was even getting some Heisman attention prior to the 2-game skid.

Clemson -8 (-109) probably would have been the suggested play before the Tigers collapse against South Carolina in the finale. Now, there is doubt, especially as the Tigers will need to push the tempo to try to keep up with the high-octane Tar Heels attack. This will be a fun game to watch, and a game decided by 1 score.

Over/Under

OVER 63.5 (-109) is the lean, but go with a small-unit wager only.

UNC has rolled up 480.9 total yards per game to rank 11th in the country, while putting up 320.9 passing yards per game to check in 8th. The offense also has 37.1 PPG to rank 15th in the nation.

On the flip side, the Tar Heels D has made strides late in the season, but it is still very giving, allowing 30.3 PPG overall.

Clemson is good for 34.3 PPG to rank 27th in the nation, and this team allows just 20.9 PPG. But the UNC offense should be able to do much better than that.

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North Carolina at Indiana odds, picks and predictions

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

The No. 15 North Carolina Tar Heels (5-2) and No. 8 Indiana Hoosiers (6-0) clash in a top-15 showdown Wednesday in Bloomington as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The opening tip at Assembly Hall will be at 9:15 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Indiana odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

North Carolina arrives in Bloomington with a 2-game losing streak in tow. UNC lost to Iowa State Friday and Alabama on Sunday. Both games were part of the Phil Knight Invitational in Portland. Sunday’s gamer was a wild, 4-overtime contest, with the Tar Heels pushing as a 2-point favorite and losing 103-101. UNC was undone by 16 3-pointers in that game.

The Hoosiers last played on Friday, covering as a -27.5-point favorite against Jackson State. Indiana shot over 57% for a 4th time this season in winning  90-51. For the season, IU’s 61.6% effective field-goal mark ranks 2nd in the country.

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North Carolina at Indiana odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: North Carolina +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Indiana -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina +4.5 (-110) | Indiana -4.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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North Carolina at Indiana picks and predictions

Prediction

Indiana 74, North Carolina 71

Moneyline

Talent levels and expectations have UNC a bit undervalued and IU a tad overvalued.

By KenPom’s rankings, Indiana is playing its 2nd team ranked in the top-250. North Carolina is playing its 8th.

Look for more 3s from UNC and for the Tar Heels’ guard play to take over a smack-in-the-face game for IU. G Caleb Love is averaging 20.0 points per game; he and other UNC guards should be able to cause problems aggressively driving the lane in a way the Hoosiers just have not seen yet.

The preferred bet here would be North Carolina +5 or more. With the line at -4.5, TAKE THE TAR HEELS +155. They are not a slam dunk to win the game, but the payoff here is worth the risk.

Against the spread

PASS, but perhaps keep an eye on this line. Take UNC if it reaches +5 or better.

Over/Under

Under-the-hood factors swing both ways here. PASS.

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North Carolina vs. Alabama odds, picks and predictions

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

The No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (5-1) battle the No. 18 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1) Sunday in Portland at 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Alabama odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

North Carolina has been playing with fire as the No. 1 team in the country all season. It finally caught up to them Friday with a 70-65 loss to Iowa State in Portland, just a day after beating a closer-than-expected 89-81 win over Portland State. North Carolina is outside the top 50 in the nation in scoring offense and scoring defense.

Alabama lives and dies by the 3-point shot. The Crimson Tide are 21st in the nation, averaging 28.3 attempts per game, but they’ve only hit an average of 9 per game. Taking so many 3s, you would love to see a higher percentage of makes. If they shoot at this rate against the Tar Heels, UNC has the talent to run them out of the gym. If they can hit these shots, it could be a 2nd loss in a row for North Carolina in Portland.

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North Carolina vs. Alabama odds

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

  • Moneyline (ML): North Carolina +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Alabama -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina +1.5 (-110) | Alabama -1.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 155.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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North Carolina vs. Alabama picks and predictions

Prediction

UNC 78, Alabama 72

Moneyline

BET UNC +100.

The Tar Heels finally lost their 1st game of the season after failing to be the dominant No.1 team as ranked in the preseason. Now that the 1st blemish is on the apple, UNC will rebound and win this game against Alabama. Being the underdog in this matchup, I prefer to take the +100 moneyline over the spread of +1.5 (-110).

Against the spread

PASS.

With the feeling being UNC will win outright, it is not worth it to take the spread instead.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 155.5 (-115).

Both teams sit outside the top 50 in scoring offense. With Alabama hitting only 32.1 percent of its 3-point shots per game, this will leave plenty of opportunity for North Carolina and its transition offense. Unfortunately, this has not been good so far this season for the Tar Heels and they will also find trouble scoring.

It feels like a high number for the way these 2 teams are playing right now. So Under 155.5 (-115) is my favorite play in this matchup.

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Want action on this basketball game or any other sports contest? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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