Big Opportunity Awaits Miami, with No. 16 Clemson Visiting
Clemson vs Miami Betting Trends: Tigers Sticking as 1-Point Favs
This isn’t the same Miami team that made its first-ever Final Four last March. But the Hurricanes still boast plenty of potential, as evidenced by their lofty AP preseason ranking.
While Miami has yet to live up to that, an ample opportunity awaits. The Hurricanes will dive back into ACC play on Wednesday (8 p.m. ET) when they host No. 16 Clemson. The Tigers opened at -1 and have remained a slight favorite approaching tipoff, with Miami at +1. The Tigers are also -120 on the moneyline, while Miami’s getting +100 odds. Meanwhile, the Over/Under is 155.5, one of the highest projected totals on the slate.
Who has the edge? Read on as we break down both NCAAB teams and analyze the Clemson vs Miami betting trends.
Day/Time:
Location: Watsco Center; Coral Gables, Fla.
Stream ESPN
Betting Trends
The Clemson Tigers are 8-4 college basketball betting lines.
So Far, So Good for Clemson
The Clemson Tigers have been close to perfect, with their only blemish a 79-77 loss to Memphis on Dec. 16. They’ve responded to that with a pair of easy non-conference wins over Queens University and Radford to move to 12-1. As such, they’ve climbed to No. 16 in the AP poll after being ranked as high as 13th.
Highlighting Clemson’s resume is a victory over then-No. 23 Alabama in the ACC/SEC Challenge on Nov. 28. The Tigers also beat Pittsburgh on the road to open ACC play and are 2-1 OU and 3-0 ATS away from home.
Although Clemson continues to climb the NCAAB standings, oddsmakers remain skeptical about the program as a legitimate contender. The Tigers are +1500 to make the Final Four and +7500 to win it all.
Clemson is led by 6-foot-10 center PJ Hall, who is averaging 20.5 points on 56.4% shooting to go with 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.2 steals. Guard Syracuse, is averaging 15.6 points while shooting 45.8% from 3-point range. As a team, Clemson ranks 44th nationally in scoring (82.3 PPG).
Clemson has been especially profitable for bettors lately, having covered the spread in six of its last seven games. It’s important to that when analyzing the Clemson vs Miami betting trends.
Big Expectations Following ‘Canes
The Miami Hurricanes opened No. 13 in the AP poll on the heels of last season’s Final Four run, matching their highest preseason ranking in program history. While they climbed as high as No. 8, Jim Larranaga’s team now finds itself outside the AP Top 25.
Although the Hurricanes are 10-2, they’re still looking for their first marquee win. The Hurricanes lost to Kentucky in the ACC/SEC Challenge on Nov. 28 and also fell to Colorado in the NABC Brooklyn Showcase on Dec. 10. They’ve responded to that with a trio of non-conference victories over North Florida.
Even after last season’s memorable tournament run, Miami remains a longshot to do any real damage in March. The Hurricanes are +1400 to return to the national semifinals and have NCAA title odds of +5000, matching the likes of Villanova and Illinois.
Forward Norchad Omier is Miami’s top scorer, averaging 17.6 points along with 9.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals. Guard Wooga Poplar is averaging 16.2 points and 5.2 rebounds. As a team, Miami ranks 23rd nationally in scoring (84.7 PPG).
Miami has been favored in almost every game, with the exception of its 95-73 loss to Kentucky (+6). At home, the Hurricanes are 8-0 OU and 5-3 ATS.
Handicapping the Game
Miami has been a bit unpredictable lately, with a 3-3 record ATS over its last six games. That said, a big opportunity awaits the Hurricanes, who are still looking for their first ranked win.
It’s difficult to win on the road in college basketball, especially during conference play. Clemson’s off to a 5-1 start away from home (2-1 away, 3-0 neutral sites), and sustaining that success will be critical for the school’s hopes of getting a high seed in March.
Unsurprisingly, oddsmakers are expecting a close game. In fact it’s a virtual pick ’em, with Clemson favored by 1 point on the road. That line won’t move much more before tipoff.
For Point Spreads Sports Magazine
