NC State vs. #20 Auburn: Game Preview and Analysis

Tonight’s slate features a late night showdown that could end up as one of the better games of the week. NC State heads to Auburn looking to bounce back after an off stretch during the holiday tournaments, while the Tigers enter fresh off a strong win and trying to stay sharp before conference play arrives. Both teams battled tough schedules through November, and this matchup offers a real chance for one side to make a statement. With pace, rebounding, and focus all in play, this game sets up as a sneaky entertaining test for both programs.

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NC State vs. #20 Auburn Odds

Tahaad Pettiford and the Tigers face a top 10 Michigan team tonight in Las Vegas - Michigan Auburn Picks

Is Auburn in a look ahead spot tonight?

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Basketball games.

Spread

NC State: +8 (-112)

Auburn: -8 (-108)

Total

Over: 165 (-112)

Under: 165 (-108)

Moneyline

NC State: +289

Auburn: -360

NC State vs. #20 Auburn Best Bet

Late night college hoops rolls into Auburn, and this one could end up as one of the better matchups on the slate. The NC State Wolf Pack heads south to take on No. 20 Auburn, looking to bounce back after a very off week during the holiday tournaments. Auburn enters after a big win over St. John’s. Both teams are trying to get right and settle in before conference play gets rolling in under a month.

The Tigers enter tonight with a trip to Tucson to meet the Wildcats later in the week. The question is simple, will Auburn be looking ahead to Saturday in Arizona, or will they be fully locked in on taking down the Wolf Pack? I lean toward NC State +8 for several reasons that go well beyond any look ahead angle. Let’s dive in.

Bounce Back Pack

The Wolf Pack had an off Feast Week, dropping games to Seton Hall and Texas. Their lone win came against Boise State. This feels like a spot where Will Wade will have his group locked in and ready for a big road opportunity against a top 25 opponent. With a full week to address their issues, they should be prepared to make a statement. They also have nothing on deck that would pull their attention away. They take on UNC Asheville at home on Saturday, then Liberty on the tenth. They will be fully focused on this matchup.

Both teams battled through a gauntlet in November. Haslametrics has both programs inside the top 100 in strength of schedule. NC State owns the 64th toughest slate so far, while Auburn sits at 92nd. This will be NC State’s first true road test, but their offense is more than capable of showing up and showing out.

NC State currently owns a top ten offense per Bart Torvik. They have thrived from deep, ranked fourth nationally in three point percentage. They protect the ball at an elite level as well, sitting 40th in turnover offense. They get to the line at a strong rate and convert efficiently, ranking inside the top 75 in both categories. Auburn has struggled on the glass this season, while NC State continues to be one of the stronger rebounding teams in the country.

Auburn wants to slow this game down as much as possible. The Tigers sit in the lower 200s in pace. Meanwhile, NC State ranks 82nd per Haslametrics, and will try to speed this one up. If the Wolf Pack can control the tempo, clean the glass, get to the line, and generate stops, they should be able to stay within eight points.