We’ve got a massive slate tonight in college basketball. Thanks to our computer predictions, we’ve added a few wagers to our betting portfolio tonight. Which bets are you rocking with?
Picks Summary
- Clemson-Miami Over 155 (-110) at Bet365
- Nebraska -5.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Stanford +4.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Clemson Tigers vs. Miami Hurricanes
Wednesday, January 03, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at Watsco Center
Our AI Model likes Miami to escape with an 83-82 win over Clemson tonight, 83-82. However, the total is currently set at 155, while the AI Model expects 165 points. The Over is appealing!
The Clemson Tigers have been super surprising this season. Clemson is 11-1 with just one loss on the road to Memphis. That game was lost by two points. Clemson has wins against Alabama, Boise State, TCU, and South Carolina, to name a few.
The Tigers will face a Miami squad that has only two losses to Kentucky and Colorado. Both weren’t at home. The Hurricanes just scored 95 against North Florida and added 97 against Stonehill in the game before that. The offense can be really good.
Shooting Dynamics
Miami has shot 41.2% from downtown and 56.3% from inside the arc. The Hurricanes have only nailed over 79% from the foul line, despite not getting there at a high rate.
Meanwhile, Clemson has shot 39.2% from deep and 56.6% from inside the arc. The Tigers have nailed 74.6% from the foul line. Although Miami is great at defending the three, teams have shot 53.5% from inside the arc against Miami this season. Clemson will have no problems around the rim.
I also like that Miami won’t turn the ball over often. Clemson is a disciplined defense that won’t look for many turnovers. That means we’ll get consistent shots out of Miami. The Hurricanes rarely miss at a high rate.
Therefore, I’ll grab the Over at -110 betting odds in this one. I agree with the AI Model.
NCAAB Pick: Over 155 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Indiana Hoosiers vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Wednesday, January 03, 2024 – 09:00 PM EDT at Pinnacle Bank Arena
The AI model has Nebraska earning a 79-71 win over Indiana tonight. Nebraska is only a 5.5-point favorite at home and has lost just two games throughout the season. Consider Nebraska in this spot.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have started the season 11-2. The only losses came against Creighton at home and Minnesota on the road. But that Minnesota game was a conference matchup. Still, Nebraska rebounded with wins over Michigan State and Kansas State and has now won four straight games since that Minnesota loss.
On the other hand, Indiana has losses to UConn, Auburn, and Kansas but has defeated all other teams. The Hoosiers are 2-0 in conference play but haven’t looked good against the top teams in college basketball.
The Matchup
Ultimately, Nebraska matches up better. The Cornhuskers have shot 32.9% from three, while the Indiana defense has given up 34.7% from deep. Meanwhile, Indiana has shot 31.9% from three, while the Nebraska defense has allowed teams to shoot 28.1% from deep.
Nebraska should win the three-point battle. It’s also likely that the Cornhuskers will win inside, with Nebraska holding teams to 43.6% from inside the arc. The Cornhuskers are also much better from the foul line and typically earn more offensive rebounds.
The only thing that Indiana does well offensively is getting to the foul line. However, Nebraska is one of the best defenses to keep teams off the line.
Take the Cornhuskers at -5.5. This is a great matchup for them.
NCAAB Pick: Nebraska -5.5 (-110) at Bet365
Stanford Cardinal vs. UCLA Bruins
Wednesday, January 03, 2024 – 09:00 PM EDT at Pauley Pavillion
The AI Model likes the Stanford Cardinal and UCLA Bruins to tie at 74. However, Stanford is a 4.5-point underdog on the road and has some value against the spread.
The UCLA Bruins have lost five of their last six games heading into tonight’s matchup. They’re currently just 1-1 in Pac-12 play and don’t look like the powerhouse many thought they’d be this year. Meanwhile, Stanford just knocked off Arizona, 100-82 at home, which could add some confidence to this Cardinal group.
Offensive and Defensive Dynamics
The Cardinal are not good on the offensive glass and don’t get to the foul line consistently. But there’s a better chance that Stanford gets to the foul line more, knowing how much UCLA fouls its opponents. Stanford has shot 37.5% from deep and 56.1% from inside the arc. The Cardinal have also hit 72.1% from inside the arc and turned the ball over 17.5% of the time, which isn’t so bad.
Meanwhile, UCLA’s defense has been good enough. Despite the high fouling, opponents have shot a 47.8% effective field goal percentage against the Bruins. The Bruins have done well defensively throughout the season.
However, on offense, UCLA has shot a 45.6% effective field goal percentage. That’s 309th in college basketball. The Bruins have hit only 29.6% from three and 46% from inside the arc.
With the Cardinal not fouling at a high rate and holding teams to 26.5% offensive rebounds, I wouldn’t be shocked if the Cardinal added a win outright, but we’ll play it safe and take the points.
NCAAB Pick: Stanford +4.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
