Louisville Cardinals vs North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Trends

The upcoming NCAAB regular season game on February 23, 2026, features the Louisville Cardinals visiting the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, NC. This exciting matchup will be broadcast on ESPN, giving fans and bettors alike an excellent opportunity to tune in and catch the action live.

Louisville boasts a strong 20-7 straight-up record, with a 6-5 away record and a slightly underwhelming 13-14 ATS record. They average 86.8 points per game on a solid 47.3% shooting percentage, including a robust 36.1% from beyond the arc. Defensively, they allow 71.5 points per game with a defensive rating of 100.7. Their recent form shows some ups and downs, but they have a potent offense to watch.

North Carolina, on the other hand, holds an impressive 21-6 overall record and is undefeated at home with a 16-0 mark. Their ATS record is 15-12 with an 11-5 home ATS, indicating solid performance against the spread. The Tar Heels average 80.7 points per game on 47.2% shooting, with a slightly lower 33.6% from three-point range. Defensively, they concede 69.0 points per game with a defensive rating of 101.0. Their home dominance and balanced stats make them formidable foes.

Key players from both teams are expected to start, with no major injuries reported, ensuring the lineups are at full strength. Louisville's high-scoring offense will be tested against North Carolina's stout home defense. The odds currently favor Louisville by 2.5 points, with a total points line set at 163. This spread suggests a close contest, and bettors should consider the teams' recent performances and shooting efficiencies.

The previous meeting on January 1, 2025, saw Louisville defeat North Carolina 83-70 in Louisville, where Louisville covered the spread as favorites. For more detailed betting trends and insights, bettors can explore our analysis and consider the ATS records displayed on our NCAAB standings page.

For the best odds on this game, Louisville is favored at -2.5 with -110 odds at BetOnline, while North Carolina is the underdog at +2.5 with the same price. Bettors seeking to capitalize on these betting trends and game insights can visit our sportsbook review page for trusted platforms to place their wagers.