Get set for a Saturday afternoon ACC showdown when the Wake Forest Demon Deacons meet the Clemson Tigers at Littlejohn Arena. Tip-off is at 2:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
The Demon Deacons have struggled to score points, and my Wake Forest vs. Clemson predictions anticipate those woes to continue.
Read on for my college basketball picks for Saturday, December 21.
Wake Forest vs Clemson prediction
My best bet
Under 135.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
Saturday’s Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Clemson Tigers ACC matchup should be a defensive battle.
Wake Forest holds just a 48% effective field goal percentage and an equally miserable 26% shooting from downtown. They are better shooters from the charity stripe, but scoring buckets can sometimes become problematic for Wake Forest.
The Demon Deacons get their points from turnovers and win games with defense. Wake Forest turns eight steals and 14.6 turnovers per game into nearly 16 points. Its stifling defense allows 38% shooting from the field and allows only 64 points per game, and they can slow down a Clemson group that loves to shoot the triple.
Clemson is a group that relies on the 3-pointer for 34% with a +3.4 assist-to-turnover ratio. Wake Forest won’t allow the triples, and they are pesky enough defenders to annoy the Tigers on the perimeter.
The Tigers' defense is better than what the Demon Deacons have. Wake Forest’s shooting difficulties aside, Clemson allows a 49% effective field goal shooting percentage and yields only 32% from downtown.
It will be difficult for either side to score in this game environment. The extremely slow tempo makes possessions a premium, and neither team is explosive enough offensively to overcome two very good defenses. The 135.5 total is too tall for this snail fest.
Wake Forest vs Clemson same-game parlay
Under 135.5
Ian Schieffelin Over 11.5 rebounds
Clemson -4.5 alt. spread
I like a low-scoring game today, and one of the reasons is Clemson forward Ian Schieffelin.
Today’s contest could see plenty of bricks, and Schieffelin has snagged at least 13 caroms in six of his last seven. He’ll likely dominate both ends of the glass and prevent second-chance points, which should help Clemson cover the -4.5 alt. spread.
Wake Forest is 2-7-0 ATS across its past nine. Clemson isn’t a much better team against the number, but they are 3-2-0 ATS in their last five home games. But they should cover an alternate line that’s half of the main number.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Wake Forest vs Clemson odds
Wake Forest vs Clemson live odds
Wake Forest vs Clemson opening odds
- Spread: Wake Forest +8.5 (-110) | Clemson -8.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Wake Forest +350 | Clemson -450
- Over/Under: Over 135.5 (-110) | Under 135.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Wake Forest vs Clemson betting trend to know
Clemson has hit the 1H Under in 23 of its last 38 games (+5.90 Units / 14% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Wake Forest vs. Clemson.
How to watch Wake Forest vs Clemson
| Location: | Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson, SC |
| Date: | Saturday, 12-21-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 2:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
Wake Forest vs Clemson key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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