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Game Preview: Queens Royals @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Sunday afternoon in Winston-Salem features a nonconference matchup with contrasting profiles as the Queens Royals visit the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Wake Forest enters with growing confidence after a strong win over West Virginia, fueled by the rapid rise of sophomore wing Juke Harris. Queens arrives playing fast and loose offensively, but with defensive concerns that loom large against an ACC opponent on the road. Opening odds reflect a sizable gap between the programs, setting up a betting decision around margin, pace, and efficiency rather than outright outcome.
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Odds and Key Information
Wake Forest opened as a 16.5-point home favorite, with the total posted at 154.5. Early market movement has been modest, with the spread holding between -16 and -17, suggesting sportsbooks are comfortable with Wake’s ability to control the game without pushing into extreme blowout territory. The total has seen light interest on the over due to Queens’ recent scoring binge, but remains largely stable.
One strong analytical observation is the clash of identities. Wake Forest prefers controlled possessions with strong wing creation, while Queens is comfortable playing at a high tempo regardless of opponent. That dynamic often benefits the deeper, more efficient team, especially when the underdog struggles defensively. A paraphrased takeaway from Wake’s staff is that Harris’ growth has stabilized the offense, giving the Demon Deacons a reliable option late in possessions and after timeouts.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Outlook
Wake Forest’s season arc has shifted notably due to Juke Harris’ development. After playing a limited role as a freshman, Harris has become the centerpiece of the offense, averaging 20.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. His shooting efficiency jump has been dramatic, and his confidence was on full display against West Virginia when he erupted for 28 points despite early foul trouble.
Harris’ maturity is just as important as his scoring. Instead of forcing shots, he reads help defense, relocates well on the perimeter, and rebounds his position. That balance allows Wake Forest to maintain spacing and avoid empty possessions. Around him, the Demon Deacons have enough secondary scoring to prevent opponents from loading up defensively.
Defensively, Wake Forest has been inconsistent at times, but its size and physicality typically overwhelm mid-major opponents. At home, the Demon Deacons are comfortable slowing the game after building a lead, which can cap total possessions but still stretch margins through efficiency.
Queens Royals Outlook
Queens enters at 5-5 and riding a wave of offensive confidence after topping 100 points in back-to-back games. The Royals are the second-highest scoring team in the Atlantic Sun, averaging 85.5 points per game, and they are not shy about shooting early and often.
Carson Schwieger’s move into the starting lineup has sparked the offense, as his perimeter shooting opens driving lanes. Avantae Parker has been ruthlessly efficient inside, while Nasir Mann’s all-around production gives Queens a capable secondary playmaker. When Queens is clicking, it can overwhelm teams with pace and shot volume.
The issue, however, is defense. Queens also allows 83.2 points per game, among the worst marks in its conference. Extended defensive lapses and poor transition coverage have been recurring problems. Against a Wake Forest team that shoots efficiently and values ball security, those breakdowns can quickly turn a competitive game into a runaway. Queens’ ability to stay within the number depends on hitting shots at a high rate and avoiding foul trouble that shortens its rotation.
Key Matchup Table
| Key Factor | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Primary scoring option | Wake Forest |
| Defensive efficiency | Wake Forest |
| Pace and shot volume | Queens |
| Rebounding on the wing | Wake Forest |
| Depth over 40 minutes | Wake Forest |
Betting Trends
Wake Forest has been reliable as a home favorite against nonconference opponents, often building leads methodically rather than explosively. That approach can make covering large numbers dependent on second-half focus and bench production.
Queens games have trended over due to pace and defensive inefficiency, especially against teams willing to run. However, when facing higher-level competition, Queens’ scoring has been more volatile, with cold stretches leading to lopsided margins.
Bettors comparing similar matchups across the board can find context on the college basketball odds page, while broader team profiles are available through the NCAAB teams hub.
The Lean
This game profiles as a strong spot for Wake Forest to control from start to finish. Harris’ emergence gives the Demon Deacons a clear offensive anchor, and Queens’ defensive issues are unlikely to be fixed overnight against an ACC opponent on the road.
From a betting perspective, laying the points with Wake Forest is reasonable, though backdoor risk exists if Queens continues to fire away late. The total is trickier. Queens wants to run, but Wake Forest is comfortable throttling pace once it establishes control, which can mute scoring bursts.
For continued daily analysis and matchup breakdowns, follow the rotation on the college basketball previews page.
Projected Final Score: Wake Forest 86, Queens 68
Best Spread Pick: Wake Forest -16.5
Total Lean: Under 154.5
Why You Need Expert Picks
Nonconference games between power-conference teams and fast-paced mid-majors often create pricing challenges. Public bettors tend to overvalue recent scoring spikes without accounting for defensive mismatches and pace control. Expert picks help isolate sustainable edges like efficiency, rotation depth, and game script. ScoresAndStats tracks results transparently through the Handicappers Leaderboard available on the college basketball picks page.
Identifying when sharp money is comfortable laying points, and when it avoids inflated totals, is critical. Resources like the expert betting guide sharpen that process, while added perspective from handicappers site reviews provides accountability when choosing which analysis to trust.
