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Syracuse Orange vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Picks and Predictions February 28th 2026

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The Syracuse Orange travel to Winston-Salem on Saturday evening to take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Lawrence Joel Coliseum, with tipoff scheduled for 5:45 PM ET. With ACC positioning tightening late in the regular season, this matchup carries added urgency for both programs.

Wake Forest enters as a 4.5-point home favorite, reflecting both venue advantage and recent form. Syracuse, catching +4.5 on the road, comes in as a live underdog with enough offensive firepower to make this a competitive game. The total is set at 152.5, suggesting a moderately fast pace with scoring potential on both sides.

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Syracuse Orange vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Odds

Here are the current betting lines for Saturday’s ACC showdown. As always, monitor the latest college basketball odds for any late movement before tipoff.

TeamMoneylineSpreadTotal
Syracuse Orange+160+4.5 (-114)Over 152.5 (-110)
Wake Forest Demon Deacons-205-4.5 (-109)Under 152.5 (-110)

Syracuse Orange Betting Form

Syracuse has leaned into a perimeter-oriented offense this season, relying on spacing and outside shooting to generate scoring runs. The Orange are at their best when their guards are knocking down early threes and forcing defenses to extend. When that happens, driving lanes open and the offense flows efficiently.

A deeper look at the Syracuse Orange’s stats and results shows a team that can be streaky, particularly on the road. Defensive rebounding and transition defense have been swing factors in close conference games. When Syracuse limits second-chance opportunities and keeps turnovers manageable, they frequently stay within numbers like +4.5.

Before placing a wager, bettors should review the Syracuse Orange injury report. Backcourt depth is critical, especially in a projected up-tempo matchup where rotations can tighten late.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Form

Wake Forest has been more consistent at Lawrence Joel Coliseum, where pace and defensive intensity tend to improve. The Demon Deacons are comfortable attacking the paint and generating free-throw opportunities, which can create scoring stability in tight spreads.

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons’ schedule and stats highlight a team that balances interior scoring with perimeter efficiency. When Wake controls the glass and limits opponent threes, they are tough to beat at home.

Bettors should also confirm availability by checking the Wake Forest Demon Deacons injury report. Frontcourt health is especially important against a Syracuse team that looks to spread the floor and attack closeouts.

Syracuse Orange vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Matchup Breakdown

This game presents an intriguing contrast in styles. Syracuse wants perimeter rhythm and open-court opportunities. Wake Forest prefers physical half-court sets and paint touches.

Key matchup elements to monitor:

  • Three-point efficiency and defensive closeouts
  • Points in the paint and free-throw attempts
  • Turnover margin and transition defense
  • Late-game execution in a one- or two-possession spread

If Syracuse finds early success from beyond the arc, Wake will be forced to extend defensively, potentially opening driving lanes. On the other hand, if Wake establishes control inside and limits clean perimeter looks, they can dictate tempo and reduce scoring variance.

The total of 152.5 suggests a game in the mid-70s for each side. Both teams are capable offensively, but ACC contests often tighten defensively in the second half. Free throws in the final minutes could ultimately determine whether the Over or Under cashes.

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Syracuse Orange vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Predictions and Best Bets

From a side perspective, Wake Forest -4.5 reflects trust in their home-court advantage and interior scoring consistency. In tight conference games, the ability to generate reliable offense inside often outweighs perimeter volatility. Wake’s free-throw generation gives them a path to separating late.

Syracuse +4.5 carries value if their perimeter shooting travels. In high-variance matchups, underdogs with strong three-point volume can stay within reach throughout. At +160 on the moneyline, the Orange present a viable upset option for bettors seeking plus money.

The total at 152.5 is where value may lie. Syracuse’s perimeter style can accelerate scoring, but Wake’s preference for half-court execution and physical defense could slow possessions. If Wake successfully limits transition and forces Syracuse into contested jumpers, this game may trend slightly below the posted number.

Given Wake Forest’s home consistency and interior edge, the stronger lean is toward the Demon Deacons to cover. Their ability to control the paint and convert at the line should provide enough margin in a competitive game.

Best Bet: Wake Forest Demon Deacons -4.5 (-109).

NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats

For bettors seeking consistent edges, daily insight is critical. Visit today’s college basketball picks to see what professional handicappers are targeting across the slate.

Futures markets are also worth monitoring as March approaches. Stay updated with the latest John Wooden Award odds and predictions and track shifting college basketball championship odds as teams position themselves for postseason runs.

To sharpen your long-term approach, explore insights inside these advanced betting strategies. Combining disciplined bankroll management with matchup-specific analysis is essential when wagering on competitive ACC matchups like Syracuse vs Wake Forest.

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