Syracuse vs. NC State Prediction: Can the Orange Defeat the Red-Hot Wolfpack?

Syracuse vs. NC State Prediction: Can the Orange Defeat the Red-Hot Wolfpack?

We can all agree that seeing Syracuse as a favorite against a ranked opponent is strange. Personally, I don’t think the line is that weird considering Syracuse’s zone defense is a nightmare matchup for NC State.

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Syracuse vs. NC State Start Time, Where to Watch, Odds

• Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2023
• Start Time: 7:00 pm ET
• Where to Watch: ACCN

Click here for Syracuse vs. NC State odds

Syracuse vs. NC State Prediction

The Wolfpack find success offensively off the dribble, with guards Terquavion Smith and Jarkel Joiner running wild with plenty of speed. This won’t work against Syracuse and their zone defense. The Wolfpack will be forced into a pass-first offense, something they aren’t comfortable with.

Big man D.J. Burns has been incredible for NC State but faces debatably his toughest test of the season against Jesse Edwards. Boeheim’s zone will cause all types of problems against the red-hot Wolfpack at the Carrier Dome.

If the Orange want to make a run in the latter half of the season, Joseph Girard needs to step up. He’s coming off one of his best games of the season, dropping 26 in a big win at Florida State. The Wolfpack have been decent defending the three-ball this season, but if Girard is still carrying the hot hand from the other night, expect him to knock down plenty of threes.

It’s been Judah Mintz, the freshman from the “DMV,” who’s been carrying Syracuse offensively these past games. He hasn’t scored less than 15 points in a month. Mintz finds success from within the three-point arch. If NC State straps Girard from deep, it will be Mintz leading the Orange to victory.

Sitting at 8-6 in conference play, Syracuse still has a chance to make the tournament. Although the ACC is having a down year, teams above .500 in ACC conference play typically find themselves playing in March. If Boeheim wants to show that he still has it and that he isn’t washed, it starts tonight.

Bookmakers seem to think he gets it done as they’ve made Syracuse the favorite in tonight’s pivotal matchup. They usually don’t set bad lines. Trust the bookmakers and back the Orange to get it done at home tonight.

Syracuse vs. NC State Pick

Syracuse ML (-110) Bet $100 to collect $190 PointsBet has the best odds, click here to bet