Oakland Golden Grizzlies (24-11) vs. NC State Wolfpack (23-14)
Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs. NC State Wolfpack 3/23/24 – As March Madness heats up, the Round 2 face-off between the Oakland Golden Grizzlies and the NC State Wolfpack on Saturday, is drawing significant attention from fans and bettors alike. The Grizzlies go head-to-head against the Wolfpack that promises not just a thrilling encounter but also offers a goldmine for premium play predictions. With the game expectations are sky-high for both teams to deliver a memorable basketball showdown.
This year, the Oakland’s performance has been characterized by high scoring on average at 72.9 points per game and a field goal percentage of 43.7%. That they can shoot from outside the arc at an average of 8.3 three-point shots per game is an impressive aspect of their play. Furthermore, their remarkable success versus the spread on the road (13-5) indicates their ability to accomplish under pressure away from home.
NC State, just like Oakland, scores almost the same with an average of 72.7 points per game. They are imposing by their equilibrium in attack and defense, evident in a 44.3% field goal percentage and great rebounding numbers (36.1 rebounds per game). The Wolfpack’s current shape stands out, and they have a record of 5-0 in their last five matches, depicting a top-form at this moment of the season.
Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs. NC State Wolfpack 3/23/24 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 7:10 PM ET |
| Where: | PPG Paints Arena |
| TV: | TBS |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Trey Townsend (Forward) vs. DJ Horne (Guard)
Trey Townsend, the Oakland’s forward, has also been essential this season with his stat line of 16.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. His being a two-way player, who can effectively play on both offense and defense, isolates him as an important player for the entire team. Townsend’s contribution in this duel is significant, particularly because he can run the defense behind the three-point line and rebound at the same.
In the case of NC State, guard DJ Horne is just as impactful as Townsends with 16.9 points on average, and a very good 3-pointer shooter meanwhile (41.3%). Horne’s scoring and efficiency have contributed as the key factor for the Wolfpack during slumped times, especially during close games. Horne and Townsend face off in this game demonstrating an engaging variation in styles. Horne, for instance, is a guard with a great perimeter game, while Townsend dominates on the inside.
Townsend-Horne matchup is almost certainly going to be decisive in the end. Townsend’s overall set of skills and rebounding must counteract Horne’s accurate perimeter shooting and guard play. The game-changing clash not only signifies individual talent but has the potential to determine the strategies that will win or lose the whole match.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: NC State Wolfpack -260, Total Odds: 146.5
The betting odds lean towards NC State, favored with a -5.5 point spread, reflecting their strong finish to the season and balanced team dynamics. The total set at 146.5 points suggests an expectation of a relatively high-scoring affair, aligning with both teams’ offensive capabilities.
Oakland Golden Grizzlies Betting Trends
Oakland having a successful past five record and being very good in matchups on the road against the line show that they have the edge even seeing them as an underdog. Overcoming goal difference superior, and along with over performance in totals we can say that this team usually scores more than they concede.
NC State Wolfpack Betting Trends
NC State’s powerful final stretch (5-0 in their last 5 games) and their performance against the spread (4-1 in their last 5 games) represent their good shape and trustworthiness. Their scoring balance and defensive efficiency imply they are well designed to tackle the challenges of the march of madness much more easily.
Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs. NC State Wolfpack 3/23/24 Betting Picks
The course might change and the play will end up being more interesting than the bookmakers might have predicted. The results of the last few matches of NC State as well as their defensive performance, make them a team that follows the trend. However, Oakland’s goals and adaptability, especially in away games, cannot be ignored.
By March Madness picks today, the clash of the Oakland Golden Grizzlies with NC State Wolfpack is an outstanding example of when a powerful force meets a solid object. NC State has been unbeatable the last few games, and now it is top defense that is going to be tested by Oakland’s standout, Trey Townsend, who is a main pillar of their offense. The pressure of the NCAA tournament and the concerned situation involves a lot of communal tension that makes the interval of the game flourish.
Free Pick and Prediction: NC State Wolfpack 77, Oakland Golden Grizzlies 73.