Louisville Cardinals vs Miami Hurricanes Picks and Predictions February 8th 2025

Louisville May Be Down Chucky Hepburn When Lowly Miami Visits

The Louisville Cardinals will aim for their second consecutive win when they host the struggling Miami Hurricanes in an ACC matchup on Saturday. However, they may have to do so without star point guard Chucky Hepburn.

Who are the experts picking in this matchup? Get the latest college basketball predictions now!

Will Louisville Be Without Its Floor General?

Hepburn, who suffered a groin injury in Wednesday’s 84-58 win over Boston College, is considered day-to-day. The senior transfer from Wisconsin leads the Cardinals in scoring (15.0 ppg), assists (6.2 apg), and steals (2.3 spg), ranking among the top 20 nationally in assists and steals.

Hepburn exited early in the second half against Boston College, but Louisville didn’t miss a beat. Terrence Edwards Jr. (19 points, eight rebounds, six assists) and J’Vonne Hadley (22 points on 8-of-12 shooting) stepped up to lead the team to an easy win.

“We have two point guards on the floor all the time,” Louisville coach Pat Kelsey said. “Terrence can play on the ball, off the ball. He did a great job stepping up for us.”

Can Miami Build on Its Rare Victory?

The Hurricanes (5-17, 1-10 ACC) finally snapped their 10-game losing streak with a 63-57 win over Notre Dame last Saturday. It was just their second victory in their last 19 games, but interim coach Bill Courtney hopes the extended break will give his team a boost.

“Because we won, I think our guys will have a lot of confidence, a lot of energy in practice,” Courtney said. “It gives us a chance to really prepare for our next opponent.”

Matthew Cleveland led the way against the Fighting Irish with 21 points. He has been on a tear since a rough outing against Duke on Jan. 14, averaging 26.4 points per game on 56.1% shooting in his last five contests.

However, Miami remains short-handed. Senior guard Nijel Pack, who has missed the last two months with a right ankle injury, remains out. While he is no longer in a walking boot, he is not expected to suit up against Louisville.

Can Miami Pull Off an Upset, or Will Louisville Stay Hot?

Find Out with Expert NCAAB Picks!

Sign Up!

Will Louisville Extend Its Win Streak, Even Without Hepburn?

Even if Hepburn is unavailable, Louisville has the depth to keep rolling. Meanwhile, Miami is desperate to build momentum after finally getting back in the win column. Can the Hurricanes pull off a stunning upset, or will the Cardinals take care of business?