The Wake Forest Demon Deacons take on the Xavier Musketeers in Cincinnati, OH. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.
The Muskeeters are favored by 6 points on the spread with a moneyline of -205. The total is also set at 156.5 points.
Here’s my Wake Forest vs. Xavier predictions and college basketball picks for November 16, 2024.
Wake Forest vs Xavier Prediction
My Pick: Wake Forest +4.5 or Better
My Wake Forest vs Xavier best bet is on the Demon Deacons spread, with the best odds currently available at Caesars. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Wake Forest vs Xavier Odds
| Wake Forest Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6 -112 | 156.5 -112 / -108 | +170 |
| Xavier Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6 -108 | 156.5 -112 / -108 | -205 |
- Wake Forest vs Xavier spread: Xavier -6
- Wake Forest vs Xavier over/under: 156.5 points
- Wake Forest vs Xavier moneyline: Xavier -205, Wake Forest +170
- Wake Forest vs Xavier best bet: Wake Forest +4.5 or Better
Spread
I'm backing Wake Forest at +4.5 or better in this Saturday matchup.
Moneyline
I'm going to pass on the Wake Forest vs. Xavier moneyline.
Over/Under
The Wake Forest vs. Xavier over/under is going to be a pass for me.
My Pick: Wake Forest +4.5 or Better
Wake Forest vs Xavier College Basketball Betting Preview
Wake Forest Basketball
Both teams are undefeated but have yet to be tested. This will be the first challenge for either squad this season.
Xavier head coach Sean Miller is trying to rebound after a disappointing 2023-2024 season. Still, there is a lot of buzz around the program due to some transfer portal additions and the return of star forward Zach Freemantle.
Meanwhile, Steve Forbes' Wake Forest team is looking to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017. The Demon Deacons have a trio of starters returning and added Appalachian State transfer forward Tre'Von Spillers.
The Deacons have a loaded starting lineup filled with experience, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see them be a dark horse in the ACC. Guards Cameron Hildreth and Hunter Sallis highlight the backcourt and big man Efton Reid III patrols the frontcourt.
The Deacons are a good basketball team, but they have gotten off to a slow start offensively. They love to fire shots from deep, but they are only shooting 26% from beyond the arc.
However, this is a good matchup for them to break through as Xavier has allowed plenty of 3-point attempts.
Wake Forest has been excellent at scoring inside the arc, which bodes well Reid, a seven-footer, to capitalize down low. The Deacons have a height advantage, so I expect them to win the battle of the boards and have ample opportunities to get easy shots inside.
Free-throw shooting has been an issue, as they're converting just 69% from the line, but, as time progresses, that will balance itself out.
Wake is not a deep team, but the core players are more talented than Xavier's. Tired legs could come into play late in the game, but we should see a strong effort from the offense.
Xavier Basketball
The Musketeers have gotten off to a hot start offensively, primarily because of Freemantle's return. He's been injured over the past couple of seasons, but he has already proven to be a viable asset to Xavier.
The Musketeers are 13th in adjusted offensive efficiency. I realize it is a tiny sample size, but that is a massive upgrade from last season.
However, they are shooting 45% from deep, and it is only a matter of time before that begins to tick down. They will be at a disadvantage down low, so they need to find consistent scoring from deep to secure the victory.
The ball movement has been terrific, and there is nothing but unselfishness going around in the locker room. I still expect them to put up a fair share of points, but I doubt they can continue their scorching-hot shooting from 3.
Defensively, it will be challenging to contain the Deacons' elite scorers for 40 minutes. They are also up against the regression monster, as the Deacons are due for positive shooting regression.
I have major concerns about Xavier's rebounding ability, and the battle on the glass could determine this game's outcome. Those extra possessions can quickly add up.
I like Xavier's core, but I'm afraid I can't lay points with the Musketeers.
Wake Forest vs Xavier Betting Analysis
I am happy to grab the points with the Deacons. This isn't the easiest road environment to play in, but I think both teams are due for opposite regression.
KenPom projects Xavier as a six-point home favorite, which is far too many points.
I'll look to take the Deacons at +4.5 or better.
Pick: Wake Forest +4.5 or Better
