NCAAB schedule doesn’t take a break for Thanksgiving, as there are some interesting matchups on the schedule.
It will be the UNC Tar Heels facing off against the Portland Pilots in a battle at the Phil Knight Invitational on Thanksgiving Day. This project is to be one of the most exciting NCAA basketball games today.
Last Game Records
Looking at the previous games can be helpful when making an NC vs Portland prediction, even though we are still early in the year. It’s been an excellent start for both programs, but the expectations are much different.
North Carolina
The North Carolina Tar Heels record is a perfect 4-0 to begin the year, but they have actually been tested more than some would expect.
North Carolina beat James Madison by a score of 80-64 in their most recent game. It’s been a busy start for Portland Pilots basketball, as they have already played six games.
Portland
Portland has started off the year by going 4-2 but suffered an 80-68 loss to Seattle in their most recent contest.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Portland Pilots Betting Analysis
This will be one of the first college basketball games today, and it’s a pretty full slate after this one ends. The Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, is the host arena, and there is a great field of teams.
It is essential to look at the betting odds before making a NC vs Portland prediction.
The NCAAB odds for this matchup have the North Carolina Tar Heels as whopping 14.0-point betting favorites over the Portland Pilots in this matchup.
North Carolina Tar Heels
The North Carolina Tar Heels are expected to be at or near the top of the college basketball standings all season long.
North Carolina suffered a loss in the national championship game a season ago and brought back nearly the exact same team.
Armando Bacot’s Averaging Numbers
Armando Bacot comes into this game averaging 18.3 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, and he is one of the best players in the country. Point guard Caleb Love is dishing out 3.3 assists per game, and he can also score the ball.
North Carolina has not been a good defensive team to begin the year, but that should change at some point.
Portland Pilots
Portland Pilots has been a team that is getting up and down the floor this season, and it makes for an exciting brand of basketball.
The Pilots have four different players averaging in double-figures, and they aren’t afraid to take some quick shots.
Tyler Roberson’s Averaging Numbers
Guard Tyler Robertson is having a huge year for the Pilots as he leads the team with 17.5 points per game to go along with 4.3 assists per game.
Robertson will have the ball in his hands a ton in this game and will be looking to make some plays.
Portland will be at a disadvantage in the paint, and they must find a way to make some noise on the perimeter.
NCAAB Injury Report
The college basketball injury report is always something that you want to check before submitting a wager, but it won’t really matter in this game.
Both teams are coming into Thanksgiving in good health, and the best players for each team will be on the floor.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Portland Pilots Betting Preview
North Carolina has much better college basketball players than Portland, but the overall statistics look the same for each team.
Both teams are averaging right around 80 points per game while also giving up 69.0 points on the defensive end.
You can expect that this game will be played at a fast pace, and that will make things exciting for the full 40 minutes.
That’s also going to wear down Portland at some point, as they just don’t have the talent to keep up for an entire game.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Portland Pilots Betting Prediction
There is only one way to go when making an NC vs Portland prediction, as the Tar Heels remain one of the best NCAA basketball teams in the country.
The Pilots will be fired up to win this game, but North Carolina is going to cover the 14 point spread as they roll to a big win on Thanksgiving Day.
NCAAB Pick: North Carolina (-110)
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