We’re getting a bit more terse with these intros; it’s neither what you want to read, nor anything more than my vocal noise as we lead into some analysis for your betting slips tonight. So let’s just get right into it; it’s Round 1 of the ACC tournament, and I’ve got a preview, prediction, pick, and best bet for the Syracuse at Florida State college basketball game tonight.
Here’s how I’m playing it. I’ll be picking individual games throughout the week, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more to-the-minute, point-of-need analyses and plays throughout conference tournament week.
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Syracuse at Florida State preview, prediction
Syracuse may be the underdog, but they’re in a prime position to stun Florida State tonight. While the Seminoles have size, their offense outside of Jamir Watkins is far from elite, ranking in the bottom three of the ACC in three-point shooting (31.9%) and turnovers (12.4 per game). That’s a key weakness against a Syracuse squad that forces 12.7 turnovers per contest and has shown real improvement defensively in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Florida State’s defense is shaky, allowing 76.4 points per game (302nd nationally), giving the Orange an opportunity to exploit their inside scoring with Eddie Lampkin Jr. and capitalize on extra possessions.
Syracuse has played more like a middle-tier ACC team than their seeding suggests, and if not for a few close losses, they wouldn’t be in this position. Florida State may have length, but the Orange are battle-tested, coming off a stretch where they’ve been far more competitive. If Syracuse can control the tempo, limit Watkins, and force Florida State into mistakes, the upset is well within reach. Expect the Orange to embrace the moment and send Adrian Autry home with his first ACC Tournament victory.
FSU vs. Syracuse pick, best bet
It’s the recent strength of schedule and improved defense that has me high on this Orange squad, and I’m backing them (but with the points), and hoping I get to watch them upset a school whose athletic program—by virtue of its football program—has been the laughing stock of the nation the past year-and-a-half.
Their blocking percentage in the paint could be a problem (10.6% is pretty good, and should disrupt the Orange), but I think Syracuse has a slight advantage—relative to the spread number—on FSU’s defense, here.
Best bet: Syracuse +3.5 (-110)
Tail the Orange to cover the small number against FSU tonight with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
Want to approach your March Madness Bracket with the same precision as the top 1% of bracket pool winners? Check out what the PoolGenius optimizer has to offer!
