NC State Wolfpack (7-2) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (7-3)
NC State vs. Tennessee 12/16/23 – On Saturday, NC State Wolfpack and Tennessee Volunteers will collide for an exciting NCAA Men’s Basketball matchup at Frost Bank Center – not only featuring two impressive winning records but also serving as an early litmus test of season goals and ambitions. Set to air live on ESP2, fans and bettors alike eagerly anticipate this showdown; fans hope for expert NCAAB free analysis without bias and insightful predictions for this showdown.
The Wolfpack have already made quite an impressionful start to their season, boasting a 7-2 record with impressive showings both offensively and defensively. Averaging 80.3 points per game and shooting 45.5% from the field with 29.6 field goals made, their three-point game also stands out with 7.9 makes per game on average and 34% shooting from beyond the arc indicating there is room for growth here as well. Defensively they have proven formidable by grabbing 38.1 rebounds per game as well as 8.2 steals to be disrupting opponents’ offensive flow effectively.
Tennessee Volunteers have displayed their strengths differently. At 7-3 with an average scoring efficiency of 44% and free throw success rates at 76.3% respectively, their shooting efficiency of 78.1 points per game and 16.1 assists per game are well behind NC State but their defensive game boasts 39.3 rebounds per game with notable 4.9 blocks per game that demonstrate their abilities to effectively protect the rim.
NC State vs. Tennessee 12/16/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 10:00PM ET |
| Where: | Frost Bank Center |
| TV: | ESP2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Jayden Taylor (Guard) vs. Dalton Knecht (Guard)
Jayden Taylor has taken a major leap in his sophomore season, increasing his scoring average by nearly 10 points per game. The quick and athletic combo guard excels at attacking the rim but has also greatly improved his outside shooting, demonstrated by an impressive 47.5% mark from deep. He fuels the Wolfpack offense but can be turnover prone at times.
Dalton Knecht does a bit of everything for Tennessee as a point forward type. He leads the balanced Volunteer attack in scoring and assists, showing great court vision and passing ability. Knecht has good size on the wing and uses it make an impact on the glass and defensive end as well. His versatility poses a tough matchup.
This battle of stellar guards could dictate the outcome. If Taylor is hitting shots and able to penetrate the Tennessee defense, it could lead to a big night for NC State. But if Knecht is able to control the tempo and keep Taylor in check, the Volunteers will have the upper hand. Either way, the clash between these talented playmakers will be must-watch.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
With the betting odds yet to be determined, it’s challenging to provide specific insights or recommendations. However, considering both teams’ performance and statistics, the matchup is expected to be closely contested.
NC State Wolfpack Betting Trends
The Wolfpack have been strong Moneyline plays this year, hitting in almost two-thirds of their games. They’ve been particularly successful on the 1H moneyline as well, covering in 63% of contests. This shows NC State’s tendency to start hot with that high-scoring offense. However, the Pack have hit the under on 1H, game, and team totals in a majority of their recent away contests. This could signal some offensive troubles on the road against Tennessee’s physical, defensive-minded approach.
Tennessee Volunteers Betting Trends
On the flip side, Tennessee has gone under the total and 1H total in over half of their home games this season. They play at one of the slowest paces in the country and rely on defense in front of their home crowd. At the same time, the Volunteers have struggled to consistently cover spreads and hit MLs compared to previous years. Only hitting 58% of MLs shows vulnerability, while they’ve gone over team totals less than half the time.
NC State Wolfpack vs. Tennessee Volunteers 12/16/23 Betting Picks
Considering the statistics and trends, this game appears to be a classic offense vs. defense battle. NC State’s offensive efficiency might be slightly countered by Tennessee’s defensive prowess. However, the Wolfpack’s ability to disrupt play with steals could be the deciding factor.
In conclusion, while it’s a close call, NC State seems to have a slight edge, particularly in the first half. As for prop bets, looking at individual player performances, especially Jayden Taylor’s scoring and Dalton Knecht’s free-throw shooting, could be profitable. The over/under will be a tough call, but given both teams’ trends, leaning towards the under might be wise. Remember, this premium expert advice should be one of many tools in your betting strategy.
Free Pick and Prediction: NC State Wolfpack 76, Tennessee Volunteers 72