Tag: North Carolina Tar Heels betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

March Madness national championship first look: North Carolina vs. Kansas odds and lines

Looking at Monday’s North Carolina vs. Kansas NCAA Tournament championship odds and lines. Here’s what you need to know.

Then there were two.

The North Carolina Tar Heels (29-9) and the Kansas Jayhawks (33-6) will meet Monday night in New Orleans for all the marbles. Tip-off from Caesars Superdome is scheduled for 9:20 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we look at the North Carolina vs. Kansas odds and lines; check back for our college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

North Carolina defeated rival Duke 81-77 in a Saturday night semifinal. The Heels, who were 4.5-point underdogs, have a chance to win their 7th national title in program history Monday. Their last championship was in 2017.

Kansas knocked off Villanova 81-65 in the first semifinal. The Jayhawks covered the spread as 4-point favorites and are one win away from their 4th national championship. They last won it all in 2008.

Kansas, which is ranked No. 3 in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports, was the only No. 1 seed to make this season’s Final Four.

North Carolina is unranked and a No. 8 seed. The Tar Heels eliminated defending champ and the East Region’s No. 1 seed in Baylor 93-86 in overtime in the second round.

North Carolina vs. Kansas odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 12:31 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: North Carolina +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Kansas -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina +4.5, -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Kansas -4.5, -105 (bet $10 5to win $100)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 152.5, O: -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | U: -107 (bet $107 to win $100)

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2021-22 betting stats (including postseason):

  • ML: North Carolina 29-9 | Kansas 33-6
  • ATS: North Carolina 21-16-1  | Kansas 20-18-1
  • O/U: North Carolina 22-15-1 | Kansas 21-18

North Carolina vs. Kansas head-to-head

This is the second time the two blueblood programs will meet for the national championship.

UNC’s first title came at the hands of Kansas in 1957. The Tar Heels needed 3 overtimes to beat a Wilt Chamberlain-led Jayhawks squad 54-53.

The two have met 11 times since 1957 with North Carolina holding a 6-5 edge.

However, Kansas has a 4-2 advantage in NCAA Tournament games, including a win in their last meeting, a 70-58 Sweet 16 victory in 2013.

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Final Four: North Carolina vs. Duke odds, picks and predictions

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

The North Carolina Tar Heels (28-9) and Duke Blue Devils (32-6) clash in a Final Four showdown Saturday in New Orleans. The rivalry battle at Caesars Superdome is slated for an 8:49 tip-off (TBS). Below, we look at the North Carolina vs. Duke odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Meeting number 257 in this rivalry will be a special one.

North Carolina — the No. 8 seed from the East Region — is the fastest-paced team remaining in the tournament. The Tar Heels have averaged 77.5 points per game in going 10-1 since Feb. 19. Like their foes in this game, they are exceptional in keeping opposing shooters off the foul line. UNC is also a terrific defensive rebounding team; the Heels have out-boarded opponents in 13 straight games.

Duke advanced from the No. 2 seed in the West Region. The 10th-ranked team in the nation won the regular-season crown in the ACC. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski‘s final five in Durham is a young group but one thank ranks among the best offensive teams in NCAA-I. The Devils have shot a robust 53.8% from the field across four tournament games.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

North Carolina vs. Duke odds, spread and lines

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

  • Money line: North Carolina +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Duke -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina +4.5 (-115) | Duke -4.5 (-107)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 150.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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North Carolina vs. Duke odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Duke 79, North Carolina 73

Money line

The Heels and Devils split two games in the regular season, with each side winning on the road. North Carolina may have an edge in this pace match-up (fast UNC vs. moderate DU), but Duke has superior efficiency numbers at both ends of the floor. The Devils’ ability to score in and around the paint colors this one with enough Duke leverage to make this line a fair one. But it’s not necessarily a value line: PASS.

Against the spread

UNC is 8-2 ATS across the last 10 meetings between these two sides.

However, peg North Carolina as being due for some 3-point regression after this long layoff and on this big stage. TAKE DUKE -4.5 (-107).

Over/Under

UNC and DU have split eight high-scoring games since 2018-19: The winning score in each of the last six meetings has been 87 points or more. The Over has hit in six straight games.

Both offenses have clicked in the tourney, and Duke has operated at some elevated pace numbers. BACK THE OVER 150.5 (-115).

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March Madness: Saint Peter’s vs. North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

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

The No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s Peacocks (22-11) meet the eighth-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels (27-9) Sunday in the Elite Eight of the East Region. Tip from Wells Fargo Center is set for 5:05 p.m. ET (on CBS). Below, we look at the Saint Peter’s vs. North Carolina odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Tar Heels, who were 2.5-point underdogs, defeated fourth-seeded UCLA 73-66 in the Sweet 16 Friday. The experienced Bruins were sent home almost single-handedly by Tar Heels G Caleb Love, who scored 27 of his career-high 30 points in the second half.

Love hit back-to-back 3-pointers late in the game, tying it with 1:44 to go and giving UNC the lead for good at the 1:06 mark, respectively.

North Carolina has covered all 3 of its NCAA Tournament games, including a 7-point overtime win as a 5.5-point underdog vs. top-seeded Baylor. UNC is 19-16-1 against the spread (ATS) this season.

As for the Peacocks, they are the first No. 15 seed to make the Elite Eight. Saint Peter’s upset No. 2 seed Kentucky in overtime by 6 as an 18-point underdog in the first round.

The Peacocks then knocked off No. 7 seed Murray State 70-60 as 8-point dogs before eliminating third-seeded Purdue by 3 as 13-point dogs. Having covered all 3 tourney games, Saint Peter’s improved their ATS record 22-9-1.

For an Elite Eight matchup, it’s interesting that both UNC and Saint Peter’s are not ranked in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Saint Peter’s vs. North Carolina odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 9:25 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Saint Peter’s +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | North Carolina -410 (bet $410 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Saint Peter’s +8.5 (-115) | North Carolina -8.5 (-107)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 136.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Saint Peter’s vs. North Carolina odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 72, Saint Peter’s 66

Money line

PASS.

It’s March. At -410, North Carolina is far too expensive. On the flip side, I don’t think the Peacocks’ historic run is going to continue, so I’ll avoid suggesting their +310 money line value.

Against the spread

BET SAINT PETER’S +8.5 (-115).

I’m not predicting the Cinderella run continues, but if there’s something we’ve seen over and over again from the Peacocks, it’s that they’re going to compete.

With Purdue, Saint Peter’s played against a 7-foot-4 big man and two Big Ten preseason First Team selections. The Peacocks imposed their will. Against both Murray State and Kentucky, the Saint Peter’s defense hung strong.

KenPom ranks Saint Peter’s defense the 24th-best in the nation. It will be able to tame a dominant North Carolina attack, especially considering the Peacocks are a guard-heavy team.

They do not have a player taller than 6-foot-7 who averages more than 5.0 points per game. That should bode well to slowing down the Tar Heels, given Love carried them this far.

Both teams are 3-0 ATS apiece in this tournament, and the two have combined to be underdogs in five of their six games.

Expect the underdog to again cover the spread.

Over/Under

LEAN to the OVER 136.5 (-108).

North Carolina ranks 36th in adjusted tempo. Purdue, Kentucky and Murray State all ranked under 150 in tempo, so Saint Peter’s hasn’t quite met a team willing to push the pace like the Tar Heels.

UNC is 5-3 O/U in its last eight games; Saint Peter’s is 3-3 O/U in postseason play, including its conference tournament.

While Saint Peter’s does have a strong defense, tempo is going to play a key factor, and I expect the higher seed to play to its style of play.

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

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

The No. 8 seed North Carolina Tar Heels (26-9) meet the No. 4 seed UCLA Bruins (27-7) at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia for a Sweet 16 matchup in the East Region. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:39 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the North Carolina vs. UCLA odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Bruins barely survived  No.13 seed Akron in the first round (57-53) but managed a 72-56 victory over No. 5 seed Saint Mary’s in the second round. They are 3-2 against the spread (ATS) in postseason play and 18-15-1 ATS on the season.

A game-changing factor for UCLA will be what level postseason leading scorer F Jaime Jaquez Jr. can reach. He’s hopeful to play but he may not be at 100% after spraining his ankle against Saint Mary’s.

The Tar Heels are 3-1 ATS in postseason play. They destroyed No. 9 seed Marquette 95-63 in the first round. UNC blew a 25-point second-half lead to No. 1 seed Baylor but won 93-86 in overtime in the second round.

North Carolina is led by 6-foot-9 F Brady Manek, who is averaging 21.3 points per game on 56.6% shooting in postseason play.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

North Carolina vs. UCLA odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:24 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: North Carolina +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | UCLA -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina +2.5 (-120) | UCLA -2.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 141.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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North Carolina vs. UCLA odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

UNC 73, UCLA 70

Money line

SPRINKLE on UNC (+115).

I prefer taking the points in this situation, but there’s value on UNC outright. For starters, look at what it has done this tournament, ripping a top-ten seed and then manhandling a top seed for 25 minutes and then overtime.

UNC has a perfect mix of size, speed and shooting. Manek has led the way, but it’s been the pick-and-roll action with C Armando Bacot and G Caleb Love that’s freed him up.

Compare that to UCLA’s isolation-heavy attack, and I like the Tar Heels to come out on top, especially if the Bruins leading scorer is playing at less than 100%.

Against the spread

BET NORTH CAROLINA +2.5 (-120).

Like UCLA, Baylor ranked in the top 15 per Kenpom in both offensive and defensive efficiency. What they also have in common is being outside the top 150 in tempo.

That’s where UNC will find its edge and has so far this postseason. It sits 32nd in adjusted tempo and ranks top 45 in efficiency on both ends of the court.

Arizona plays a similar run-and-gun style to UNC and beat UCLA twice this season, winning the only neutral-court game. The Bruins’ first two games have been against teams that play similar to their own style.

UNC doesn’t play that style and that could cause trouble for UCLA in this one.

Over/Under

LEAN to the OVER 141.5 (-110).

The Tar Heels rank 28th in the nation in points per game and 31st in three-point shooting, connecting in 37.4% of their attempts from deep. They also have the 279th-ranked defense in terms of opponents’ points per game.

Given the Bruins have the 12th-ranked offensive efficiency per Kenpom, they should be able to find success against a weaker Tar Heels defense.

With UNC having crushed both totals so far in the tournament and UCLA 1-1 O/U in its two tourney games, I’d look for them to push the pace and force the Over to hit.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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March Madness: North Carolina vs. Baylor odds, picks and prediction

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

The No. 8 seed North Carolina Tar Heels (25-9) and No. 1 seed Baylor Bears (27-6) meet Saturday for a East Region second-round game of the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the North Carolina vs. Baylor odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Tar Heels opened with a convincing 95-63 victory against Marquette. UNC hit 46% from the floor while connecting on 14 of its 17 free-throw attempts and turned it over just 10 times.

The Bears thrashed Norfolk State, as expected, cashing as 20.5-point favorites in an 85-49 victory as the Under came in. Baylor is still 3-4-1 ATS across the past eight games overall despite the cover in their opener.

See also: Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

North Carolina vs. Baylor odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:42 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: North Carolina +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Baylor -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina +5.5 (-112) | Baylor -5.5 (-108)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 147.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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North Carolina vs. Baylor odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Baylor 77, North Carolina 73

Money line

Baylor (-250) will get a much better test from North Carolina than it received from Norfolk State. While the defending champs are expected to win, you cannot risk two and a half times your potential return in a close game.

AVOID.

Against the spread

NORTH CAROLINA +5.5 (-112) looked like world-beaters against Marquette in the opening game. The defending champs could be headed home if it plays like that again Saturday. The Tar Heels are 5-1 ATS in the past six games overall. Look for a much closer game for both of these sides than they faced in Round 1.

Over/Under

The OVER 147.5 (-115) is the lean here but only play it lightly.

The Over is 4-1 in the past five games as an underdog for UNC, while going 15-6-1 in the past 22 games overall. The Over has cashed in five of the past nine games for Baylor, too.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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March Madness: Marquette vs. North Carolina odds, picks and prediction

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

The No. 9 seed Marquette Golden Eagles (19-12) and No. 8 seed North Carolina Tar Heels (24-9) meet Thursday for a East Region first-round game of the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Marquette vs. North Carolina odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Golden Eagles suffered an early exit in the Big East Tournament with a 74-63 loss to Creighton in the team’s first game. While Marquette had some good spurts this season, it is just 4-6 straight up (SU) across the past 10 games and 1-7 against the spread (ATS) in its last eight outings.

The Tar Heels were bounced 72-59 in the ACC Tournament semifinals Friday by eventual champ Virginia Tech. That loss snapped a six-game win streak for UNC, its longest of the season. The Heels are 4-1 ATS across their last five games overall.

See also: Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

Marquette vs. North Carolina odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:27 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Marquette +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | North Carolina -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Marquette +3.5 (-110) | North Carolina -3.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 152.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Marquette vs. North Carolina odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 79, Marquette 71

Money line

NORTH CAROLINA (-180) isn’t too terribly overpriced if you just want to play the winner and forget about laying the points. UNC is playing its best basketball of the season, including spoiling Duke’s Coach K’s home finale last week. Marquette isn’t doing as well lately and can’t be trusted.

Against the spread

NORTH CAROLINA -3.5 (-110) is worth playing to win this one by two buckets or more. The Tar Heels have covered four of their last five games overall. While UNC failed to cover last time out, it hasn’t had back-to-back non-covers since Jan. 18 and Jan. 22.

Roll with the Heels as they look to take on the defending national champ Baylor Bears in the Round of 32.

Over/Under

The UNDER 152.5 (-115) is the lean here.

The Under did cash in each of the two ACC Tournament games for the Tar Heels and is 4-3 in their last seven overall. This line is a tad high, although there is some concern as the Golden Eagles struggle defensively with 70.8 PPG allowed (226th nationally).

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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North Carolina at Duke odds, picks and prediction

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

The North Carolina Tar Heels (22-8, 14-5 ACC) visit Cameron Indoor Stadium to take on the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils (26-4, 16-3) in Coach K’s final home game. Tip is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we look at the North Carolina vs. Duke odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Blue Devils will have a little extra motivation to come out on top in this one. Not only is it a rivalry game, but Duke will take the court as head coach Mike Krzyzewski leads the charge for his final time at Cameron Indoor – he is retiring after the season.

The Blue Devils destroyed North Carolina 87-67 in Chapel Hill earlier this season. Duke is 17-11-2 against the spread (ATS) this season but just 11-8 ATS against conference opponents.

That’s one area in which North Carolina is better as it is 11-7-1 ATS against ACC teams. However, the Tar Heels are 14-15-1 ATS overall but 6-3-1 ATS in their last 10 outings. They average 78.1 points per game.

North Carolina is led by F Armando Bacot, who averages 16.4 points and 12.7 rebounds per game.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

North Carolina at Duke odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:49 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: North Carolina +550 (bet $100 to win $550) | Duke -850 (bet $850 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: North Carolina +11.5 (-105) | Duke -11.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 153.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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North Carolina at Duke odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Duke 81, North Carolina 75

Money line

PASS.

Duke (-850) is far too expensive, but I do expect the Blue Devils to come out on top.

Against the spread

LEAN on NORTH CAROLINA +11.5 (-105).

Duke has far more to lose in this game, and with North Carolina playing with house money, it should be the Tar Heels who come in more relaxed.

Also, the narratives fit this at least being a close battle as it just seems like a quintessential way to end Coach K’s career against UNC is in a close, hard-fought battle.

UNC didn’t get going at home in the season’s first battle with Duke. Bacot was just 4-for-10 from the field and G Caleb Love was even worse, hitting just 3-for-10. Those two should be better this second time around. Also, expect UNC to shoot better than 40.7% from the field, which it did in the first contest.

Duke is just 4-5 when spotted 10 or more in the calendar year, mainly home games against lower-tier conference opponents. UNC is good enough to keep this game close, and Duke hasn’t covered huge spreads at Cameron.

Over/Under

BET OVER 153.5 (-107).

One thing both teams have been able to do this season is cash Over tickets.

The Tar Heels are 18-11-1 O/U, while Duke is 15-14-1 O/U. Over the last 10 games, North Carolina is 8-2 O/U and Duke is 7-3 O/U, so they’re picking up the pace like it’s March.

North Carolina also played with pace, ranking 72nd in possessions per game.

Duke ranks fifth in the nation in offensive efficiency. The Blue Devils’ efficiency mixed with the Tar Heels’ pace should be able to produce enough points to hit the Over.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

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Duke at North Carolina odds, picks and prediction

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

On Saturday, the No. 6 Duke Blue Devils (18-3, 8-2 ACC) travel the Dean Smith Center to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels (16-6, 8-3 ACC). Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Duke vs. North Carolina odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

In Coach K’s last visit to Chapel Hill, his Blue Devils will be heavily favored. They’re coming off a 14-point win and cover on the road over Notre Dame.

Duke has covered 5 of its last 7. The Blue Devils are an ACC-best 12-7-1 against the spread (ATS). As for North Carolina, it’s 10-12 ATS this season. North Carolina covered its only game as home underdogs.

The Tar Heels have covered 6 of their last 10 and 3 of their last 4. They’re led by big man C Armando Bacot, who averages 16.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Duke at North Carolina odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:40 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Duke -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | North Carolina +133 (bet $100 to win $133)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Duke -2.5 (-122) | North Carolina +2.5 (-102)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 150.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Duke at North Carolina odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Duke 78, North Carolina 76

Money line

PASS on the money line.

I prefer the North Carolina spread here, and considering 2 of the last 5 matchups between these two teams were won by fewer than two points, I’ll take the points.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to NORTH CAROLINA +2.5 (-102).

The Tar Heels are undefeated at home this season. While most teams get hurt by Duke’s size, Bacot will limit the 7-foot C Mark Williams. Williams averages 2.6 offensive boards per game.

That said, the Blue Devils are 3-2 on the road this season, and to add to that, the Tar Heels have either won or covered a 2.5-point spread in 4 of the last 5 meetings between these two sides.

North Carolina is also better than Duke at covering conference games (7-4 vs. 6-4 respectively).

Over/Under

BET on the OVER 150.5 (-112).

Both teams heavily crash the glass. Each is a top-50 offensive rebounding side. That said, Duke is averaging 80.4 points per game this season. North Carolina is at 78.5.

Given that 6 of the last 7 matchups between these two rivals have gone over this projected total, I’ll take the points in this battle of two high-profile programs.

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Duke’s Mayo Bowl: North Carolina vs. South Carolina odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s North Carolina vs. South Carolina Duke’s Mayo Bowl odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The North Carolina Tar Heels (6-6) meet the South Carolina Gamecocks (6-6) Thursday at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET. Below, we look at the North Carolina vs. South Carolina odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The good news for the Tar Heels is that QB Sam Howell intends to start this game. He passed for 2,851 yards, 23 touchdowns and 9 interceptions while running for 825 yards and 11 scores on the ground.

North Carolina suffered a 34-30 loss in the regular-season finale against NC State in Raleigh, N.C., and it has alternated losses and wins across each of its last 10 games. UNC is also just 2-5 ATS across its last seven games overall.

South Carolina had mass defections after the season, including starting QB Jason Brown, who hit the transfer portal. Untested QB Zeb Noland, who had just 597 passing yards this season, will get the starting nod.

Leading rusher RB ZaQuandre White, who had 583 rushing yards and 6.6 yards per attempt, left early for the 2022 NFL Draft, as did DE Kingsley Enagbare, who led the team with 4.5 sacks.

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

North Carolina vs. South Carolina odds, spread and lines

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

  • Money line: North Carolina -370 (bet $370 to win $100) | South Carolina +280 (bet $100 to win $280)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina -9.5 (-115) | South Carolina +9.5 (-107)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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North Carolina vs. South Carolina odds, lines, picks and predictions

Get some action on this matchup at Tipico Sportsbook, a trusted, global sports-betting leader and Sportsbook Wire’s official betting partner.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO and NJ at Tipico now. IA, Tipico is coming to your state soon! New customer offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $100 in instant bet credits! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Prediction

North Carolina 36, South Carolina 18

Money line

While I expect North Carolina (-370) to win this one in rather handy fashion, you can’t risk more than three and a half times your potential return on a .500 team.

PASS, and look to the spread.

Against the spread

The best play here is NORTH CAROLINA -9.5 (-115), despite the fact the Tar Heels have had issues in bowl games in the past. UNC has the best player on the field in Howell, and he won’t have to contend with Enagbare trying to track him down.

While the Tar Heels had some offensive line issues this season, and Howell was forced to run for his life at times, they should be able to handle the shorthanded Gamecocks with aplomb. Both Howell and RB Ty Chandler should fare well against a South Carolina rush defense which yielded 179.2 yards per game to rank 99th in the nation.

Over/Under

The UNDER 57.5 (-107) can be a dangerous play in North Carolina games as it can score plenty of points and can allow plenty of points. However, South Carolina is a shell of itself, playing with an unproven signal caller, while soldiering on without its top running back and pass rusher. The Gamecocks are going to have a hard time lighting up the scoreboard.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Michigan at North Carolina odds, picks and prediction

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

The North Carolina Tar Heels (4-2) and Michigan Wolverines (4-2) meet Wednesday at Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, NC. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. ET. Below, we look at North Carolina at Michigan odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Tar Heels are coming into this game following a 19-point victory over UNC Asheville. With losses to ranked teams like Tennessee and Purdue, the Tar Heels have yet to cover a game this season. They’re 0-6 against the spread.

Averaging 15.7 points per game, Armando Bacot leads the Tar Heels. For the Wolverines, it’s forward Eli Brooks averaging the most on the team, ironically also 15.7 per game.

They’re 2-4 against the spread. Michigan has also lost their two matchups against ranked opponents, dropping games to Seton Hall and Arizona. They’re No. 24.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Michigan at North Carolina odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:15 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Michigan -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | North Carolina +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Michigan -1.5 (-112) | North Carolina +1.5 (-108)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 148.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Michigan at North Carolina odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Michigan 70, UNC 64

Money line

BET on MICHIGAN -125 as they should have the kryptonite for Bacot.

7-foot-1 Hunter Dickinson is averaging the second-most points per game for Michigan. He shoots around 61% from the field and should be able to impact the game defensively.

Bacot rarely goes against players bigger than him, and now he’ll be taking on the Wolverines who have a 7-footer and have allowed opponents under 40% shooting.

Also, UNC has struggled against good competition, losing to Tennessee by double figures and to Purdue by 9. This will be a prove-it game for both teams, and Michigan seems like they’re the better, more complete team.

Against the spread

PASS on the spread. I’d prefer to just play Michigan on the money line for the marginal difference.

Over/Under

BET on the UNDER 148.5 (-112) as Michigan should be able to limit UNC’s rebounding, and the Wolverines have actually been competent defensively.

UNC’s defense isn’t quite as formidable, which could pose issues and likely cost them the game. They have allowed opponents to shoot 44% from the field.

With that in mind, UNC doesn’t shoot many threes, averaging the 78th-most made threes in the nation. Michigan just isn’t good at shooting threes. They don’t hit even 30% and only have two players averaging more than a triple.

Combine all the above, and I would think the Under is the better play.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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