Miami and Clemson have both had their moments this season but neither is a lock to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. This matchup is big for both schools — a rematch of Miami’s 95-82 win earlier this season when the Hurricanes lit the Tigers up on offense.
That loss to Miami was the start of a three-game losing streak for the Tigers, but they have been on a great run, winning three of four and two straight. On the season, Clemson is 13-10 against the spread, covering their last two contests, including an outright win as a +6.5 underdog against North Carolina. The offense has been hot, too, hitting the OVER for total points in two of their last three.
Miami comes into this contest with momentum the exact opposite of Clemson, losing three of four and two straight. The Hurricanes are 13-9-2 but have only covered twice in their last five contests. The offense has let them down recently, hitting the UNDER in six of their last seven.
Here is the Miami vs. Clemson betting news, player props and a prediction for tonight’s ACC Conference matchup. The game tips off tonight at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
Live odds for Miami vs. Clemson
Here are the spread, moneyline and total points live odds for Miami vs. Clemson at the best online sportsbooks.
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Miami Hurricanes betting news
The Hurricanes have not been playing their best basketball, and it’s not as if they have been dealing with injuries or suspensions; they simply have been getting outplayed. They have plenty of talent with four players averaging double figures, but they have not been getting those performances recently.
Norchad Omier leads the team in scoring at 17.7 PPG and is very efficient in scoring the basketball, shooting 61% from the field and leading the team in rebounding with 9.9 a night. He has been one of the few consistent players recently, scoring at least 16 points and grabbing at least 10 rebounds in five of six.
The inconsistent production of Miami’s guards has let them down recently. Nijel Pack (14.3 PPG), Matthew Cleveland (13.9 PPG) and Wooga Poplar (13.9 PPG), each average double figures. Yet only Pack has scored double figures in more than half of Miami’s last eight contests. When Cleveland or Poplar score over 20 points, the Hurricanes are 6-1, but neither has scored over 20 in the last seven games.
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Clemson Tigers betting news
The Tigers have shown the ability to elevate their play against top opponents. Their win over the ACC’s top team, North Carolina, two games ago is the type of win that could help ensure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Clemson ranks 19th for strength of schedule on Kenpom.
Clemson has one of the best frontcourts in all of college basketball, and it has propelled their offense to 19th for adjusted efficiency. Their defense could improve but is average, ranking 71st for adjusted efficiency, aided by playing opponents with an average ranking of ninth for adjusted offensive efficiency.
The frontcourt is led by PJ Hall, one of the best centers in all of college basketball. The 6-foot-10 senior leads the teams and ranks 31st in the country at 19.9 PPG. He is also second on the team in rebounding at 7.3 a night and provides a significant defensive presence, averaging 1.8 blocks per game. He has a fantastic partner in the paint in Ian Schieffelin, who leads the team in rebounding at 9.5 a contest and averages 9.8 PPG.
Where Clemson needs to improve is the efficiency of their perimeter play. Hall (49.7 FG%) and Schieffelin (61.8 FG%, 57.1 3P%) are strong scorers who take smart shots. The team’s second- and third-leading scorers, Joseph Girard III (15.1 PPG) and Chase Hunter (11.9 PPG), are both below 44% from the field. While they are producing, they are not doing it effeciently. Clemson can only be a contender in the postseason if their guard play improves.
Miami vs. Clemson player props at FanDuel Sportsbook
Here are some of the top player prop markets for Miami vs. Clemson from FanDuel Sportsbook.
Wooga Poplar player props
- 11.5 points OVER (-105) / UNDER (-125)
Chase Hunter player props
- 12.5 points OVER (-130) / UNDER (+100)
Matthew Cleveland player props
- 11.5 points OVER (+100) / UNDER (-130)
- 5.5 rebounds OVER (-114) / UNDER (-122)
PJ Hall player props
- 18.5 points OVER (-125) / UNDER (-105)
- 7.5 rebounds OVER (-140) / UNDER (+100)
Norchad Omier player props
- 17.5 points OVER (-105) / UNDER (-125)
- 8.5 rebounds OVER (-116) / UNDER (-122)
Joseph Gerard player props
- 14.5 points OVER (-125) / UNDER (-105)
Ian Schieffelin player props
- 11.5 points OVER (-110) / UNDER (-120)
- 8.5 rebounds OVER (-138) / UNDER (-102)
Miami vs. Clemson prediction: Clemson continues hot streak
The Tigers are hot, and Miami is playing their worst basketball of the season. Clemson matches up well with Hall and Schieffelin down low to slow down Miami’s best player, Nijel Pack. With home-court advantage on the Tigers’ side, they should come away with a critical win tonight.
Pick: Clemson
