We still have a few weeks of NFL to go and NBA is in full swing, but don’t forget about college basketball, which has a boatload of games every day of the week. COVID has taken its toll with several programs not playing, but with 350-plus teams in Division 1 the season rolls on. March Madness may be a few months away, but getting a look at some teams can pay dividends when it is time to fill out those brackets. Tonight there are several ranked teams on the schedule, including an ACC matchup between Louisville and Florida State. Let’s get into the college basketball betting picks I like most tonight.
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College Basketball Betting Picks: Louisville – Florida State
Best Bet: Louisville -3 (DraftKings)
This game is expected to be competitive, with Louisville a 3-point favorite. The Cardinals are 9-2 on the year and unbeaten at home. This 16th-ranked Louisville team relies on a balanced approach, as they are top 40 in both offensive and defensive efficiency according to Kenpom. Their backcourt leads this offense, with Carlik Jones and David Johnson the top two scorers on this squad and both averaging 34-plus minutes per game. The key to Louisville’s success, especially during ACC play, has been the defense, which is holding conference opponents to 39% shooting, tops in the league. If they continue that type of output tonight, they will take another step forward towards an ACC crown and a potential top seed come March.
On the other side is Florida State, who is 7-2 on the year and finding form to begin conference play. They are coming off two impressive wins, with a 105-73 beatdown of North Carolina State and an 82-75 win against North Carolina. Similar to Louisville, they are a guard-heavy team with M.J. Walker, Scottie Barnes and Anthony Polite the top three scoring options, all of whom operate out of the backcourt. This is an impressive offensive attack, averaging 79 points per game and coming in top 30 in offensive efficiency in the country. They also are 30th in 3-point shooting percentage at 38%, and that is one of the things Louisville has to contain tonight.
Even though Florida State has the talent and home court is different in 2021, this is a tough spot for any team. Louisville is incredibly tough at home, and they are coming off a disappointing loss on the road against Miami. It will be strength against strength tonight with Jones and Johnson going up against Florida State’s guards. Given Louisville’s ability to limit the efficiency of opposing offenses, I believe they have the advantage in this spot. With the spread at just 3 points, I will back the favorite here with Louisville.
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