North Carolina Vs. Georgia Tech: Predictions, Odds, Best Bets (1/30/24)

North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech kicks off this Tuesday (01/30/24) at 7:00pm EST in Atlanta Georgia as a home game for the Yellow Jackets. Get North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech predictions and best bets below as our best bet is on North Carolina’s moneyline as a valuable piece to a two team moneyline parlay.

North Carolina Vs. Georgia Tech Prediction

After a tough non-con schedule, the UNC Tar Heels just keep winning since starting ACC play. They were challenged in their last matchup against Florida State on the road, playing from behind for a majority of the contest before taking over late. They now hit the road to battle it out against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in a short turn around, making their current spread a pass.

That isn’t to say North Carolina is not the play as their moneyline is still well within range to tie in with someone else as a two team moneyline parlay. North Carolina is certainly the better team in this matchup, especially with Georgia Tech trotting out one of the worst defenses in the nation. The Yellow Jackets enter the contest ranked 205th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency per Kenpom.

Georgia Tech has struggled mightily in their past few games, conceding an Opposing Effective Field Goal Percentage of 60.5% in their last three contests per TeamRankings. That spells potential disaster against a UNC offense who thrives in creating high quality scoring opportunities. UNC’s offense revolves around getting out in transition and taking advantage of a scrambling defense backpedaling against the fast break.

Not only have they brought back the UNC identity of getting out in transition, but the emergence of Elliott Cadeau has played a key role as their true point guard. He has not only excelled as their dominant ball handler, but he has allowed the UNC offense to create more space as RJ Davis and Cormac Ryan thrive off the ball. This also opens up more space in the interior for Armando Bacot to take advantage of, presenting plenty of opportunities for consistent scoring.

North Carolina Vs. Georgia Tech Prediction: North Carolina and TCU moneyline parlay

North Carolina Vs. Georgia Tech Best Odds

Oddsmakers also believe this is the Tar Heels game to lose as they opened North Carolina as high as a -11.5 favorite. Bettors believe that was an overreaction, backing Georgia Tech down to as low as +8.5 as of writing. UNC has struggled with scoring consistency when on the road yet are still figuring out their new half court identity that is starting to get into a groove.

As for the total, points are expected to be scored at a quick pace as oddsmakers opened the number at 152. Bettors believe points will come at a slightly faster pace, backing the over up to 152.5 in some shops. The over is potentially worth a look as Georgia Tech’s offense fares far better than their defense, ranking 96th in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency.

North Carolina Vs. Georgia Tech Key Matchups

Can North Carolina maintain their impressive defensive metrics against Georgia Tech?

North Carolina Coverage vs. Georgia Tech Shooting

A major reason for UNC’s dominance as of late has come from their defensive end as they currently rank third in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. That is a major turnaround from last year’s struggles, a big part of why they failed to make the tournament as the preseason favorite.

This is indicative of the defense North Carolina has played starting with Oklahoma. P.J. Hall has nothing clean. Cormac Ryan digs then plays tenacious D on Dillon Hunter. Violent, chopping feet, bodying with chest. No reaching. No opening of the hips. @HeelIllustrated pic.twitter.com/YrkDdbjmPm

— David Sisk (@CoachDavidSisk) January 7, 2024

Not all is perfect on the defensive end though as UNC has conceded a high amount of high-quality shooting opportunities that opposing offenses have yet to capitalize on. Lucky for UNC in this matchup, Georgia Tech is a very poor shooting team. They have an Effective Field Goal Percentage of 49.3%, as well as a three-point completion percentage of 32.2%. Both metrics are 200th or worse in the nation.

North Carolina Sports Betting Update

North Carolina sports betting is currently legal with online sportsbook operators set to go live noon EST on March 11th. For those eager to sign up before launch, new users can sign up as early as March 1st in order to get a head start before the state goes live. Once sports betting is live and up and running, North Carolina residents will be able to take advantage of new user bonuses like a $1,500 first bet offer from BetMGM North Carolina and a sweat free initial wager of up to $500 from BetRivers North Carolina to wager on their favorite in-state teams.

For up-to-date North Carolina sports betting coverage — including the best new user promo codes — check out the “NC Sports Betting” tab on Lineups.

Best College Basketball Betting Promo Codes