College Basketball Picks Against the Spread: ACC Games Today, February 17

As the college basketball season heats up, February marks a crucial point where teams are fighting for positioning in the standings, looking for the best possible seed for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. In the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the competition remains fierce, with several teams vying for supremacy in one of the nation’s most competitive leagues.

February 17 features a set of exciting ACC matchups that will be pivotal for both the conference standings and teams’ postseason aspirations. With various teams, ranging from top-ranked powerhouses to middle-of-the-pack squads, every game is vital. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the ACC games scheduled for February 17, offering college basketball picks against the spread (ATS). By considering factors like recent form, injuries, team dynamics, and head-to-head results, we’ll break down each matchup and offer predictions on how these teams might fare.

Game 1: Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Syracuse Orange

Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Location: Lawrence Joel Coliseum, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Team Breakdown

• Wake Forest: The Demon Deacons have had a solid season, hanging in the middle of the ACC standings. Under the guidance of head coach Steve Forbes, Wake Forest’s strength lies in their balanced offensive approach, with Alondes Williams leading the charge. Williams’ ability to score and distribute the ball makes Wake Forest a dangerous team in the conference. In addition, their perimeter shooting and ability to score in transition make them a tough opponent at home.
• Syracuse: After starting the season strong, Syracuse has been inconsistent in recent weeks, falling to several ranked teams and struggling on the defensive end. The Orange are led by Joe Girard III, one of the ACC’s most potent guards, and Jesse Edwards, a versatile big man who can impact the game both offensively and defensively. However, Syracuse’s trademark 2-3 zone defense has been porous at times this season, especially against teams with high-efficiency offenses.

Key Factors

• Wake Forest’s Home Court Advantage: The Demon Deacons have been solid at home, and their offensive depth gives them the upper hand in this matchup. Wake Forest has had success against teams with slow defensive schemes, and Syracuse’s zone might not be able to stop their ball movement.
• Syracuse’s Defensive Struggles: While Syracuse’s offense can be explosive, their struggles on defense, particularly guarding the three-pointer, could make it difficult for them to keep up with Wake Forest’s shooting.

ATS Pick: Wake Forest -3.5

• Wake Forest has been strong at home and has the offensive weapons to exploit Syracuse’s defensive vulnerabilities. With their efficient ball movement and ability to score in transition, Wake Forest should be able to cover the spread in this matchup.

Game 2: Boston College Eagles vs. Virginia Cavaliers

Game Time: 2:00 PM ET
Location: Conte Forum, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Team Breakdown

• Boston College: The Eagles have had a mixed season but have shown some promise under head coach Earl Grant. With Quinten Post leading the offense and providing a scoring presence down low, Boston College can be dangerous when they play physical and disciplined basketball. However, the Eagles have struggled with consistency, especially when facing top-tier competition.
• Virginia: The Virginia Cavaliers, under the guidance of Tony Bennett, remain one of the top teams in the ACC. Known for their suffocating pack-line defense, Virginia has dominated opponents with their methodical pace and ability to lock down defensively. With standout players like Reece Beekman and Armaan Franklin, Virginia has the tools to stifle any offense. However, their offense can sometimes be hit-or-miss, relying on their defense to create opportunities.

Key Factors

• Virginia’s Elite Defense: Virginia has one of the best defenses in the country, which will be the key to this matchup. Boston College has struggled against teams with elite defensive schemes, and Virginia’s ability to control tempo and limit scoring will likely be the deciding factor.
• Boston College’s Inconsistent Offense: The Eagles’ offense is very dependent on Post’s ability to dominate inside. If Virginia can effectively shut down Post and limit second-chance opportunities, they will be in a strong position to cover the spread.

ATS Pick: Virginia -6.5

• Despite Boston College’s home-court advantage, Virginia’s defense will be too much for the Eagles to handle. Virginia has been a strong covering team this season, and their defensive prowess will likely keep the score at a manageable margin for them to cover the spread.

Game 3: Miami Hurricanes vs. Clemson Tigers

Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
Location: Watsco Center, Coral Gables, Florida

Team Breakdown

• Miami: The Hurricanes have been one of the most dynamic offensive teams in the ACC this season. With players like Isaiah Wong and Jordan Miller, Miami has the ability to score in bunches and push the tempo. Their up-tempo offense, coupled with solid defense, makes them a tough opponent in any matchup. Miami’s depth and versatility have been their strengths, and they’ve become one of the top teams in the conference.
• Clemson: The Tigers have been playing excellent basketball this season, with their defense and efficiency standing out as key strengths. Hunter Tyson has been a standout for Clemson, providing scoring and rebounding, while PJ Hall has been a steady presence in the post. Clemson’s success comes from their ability to execute both offensively and defensively, particularly against teams that lack consistency.

Key Factors

• Miami’s Offensive Firepower: Miami’s ability to play fast and score efficiently will be crucial in this game. If they can dictate the tempo and hit from outside, Clemson will struggle to keep up.
• Clemson’s Defensive Stability: Clemson has been one of the best defensive teams in the ACC, and their ability to slow the game down could prevent Miami from getting into a rhythm. If Clemson can limit Miami’s fast-break opportunities and force them into a half-court game, they could control the flow of the game.

ATS Pick: Miami -4.5

• Miami’s offense is too potent for Clemson to completely contain. While Clemson’s defense will likely make things difficult, the Hurricanes’ ability to score quickly and in transition should be enough for them to cover the spread.

Game 4: North Carolina Tar Heels vs. NC State Wolfpack

Game Time: 6:30 PM ET
Location: Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Team Breakdown

• North Carolina: The Tar Heels have had an up-and-down season, but they still possess one of the most talented rosters in the ACC. With players like Armando Bacot and Caleb Love, North Carolina has the potential to be one of the most dangerous teams in the country. However, their inconsistency, especially on defense, has led to some disappointing results. The key for North Carolina will be finding a balance between their offensive firepower and defensive discipline.
• NC State: The Wolfpack have surprised many this season with their solid performances under head coach Kevin Keatts. Jarkel Joiner has been a standout player, leading NC State’s offense with his scoring ability. NC State has been effective offensively, but their defense is often a question mark. They will need to be much better defensively to have a shot against the talented North Carolina squad.

Key Factors

• North Carolina’s Star Power: Bacot and Love are among the most talented players in the conference, and they will need to step up in this game. If they can play at a high level, North Carolina should be able to overwhelm NC State.
• NC State’s Defensive Issues: NC State has struggled defensively at times, and that could be a major issue against a high-powered offense like North Carolina’s. If they can’t slow down the Tar Heels, they’ll be in for a long night.

ATS Pick: North Carolina -7.5

• North Carolina’s star power and home-court advantage make them a strong pick to cover the spread in this one. While NC State will keep it competitive for a while, North Carolina’s talent and depth should pull them away late.