Sportsbook Promos
Elon vs #9 North Carolina: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | November 4, 2024
Written by: Colby Marchio
Last Updated:
Read Time: 4 minutes
ncaab
As the college basketball season tips off, No. 9 North Carolina takes on Elon in a highly anticipated matchup. With a 30-point spread favoring the Tar Heels, they’re expected to dominate against a Phoenix team looking to find its footing. This game is a chance for North Carolina to showcase its talent and set the tone for the season.
Write Up Transparency
Be sure to follow me on X/Twitter @C_marchio2 to get my full card every day! Check my Action profile on the Action app @cmarchio. Picks are always free.
2023-24 College Basketball Season: +33.35 units
Elon vs #9 North Carolina Odds
RJ Davis set to have another successful season at UNC.
Elon vs #9 UNC 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
Elon: +27 (-105)
UNC -27 (-115)
Total
Over: 151 (-110)
Under: 151 (-110)
Moneyline
Elon: +4000
UNC: -50000
Get 50% up to $1,000 on your 2024 college basketball futures picks today at BetOnline
Elon vs #9 North Carolina Breakdown
I believe a safer play early in the season is backing big favorites. Why? Typically, these top-ranked Power Five teams face lower mid-majors, allowing the home team to prepare for the season and often dominate. In the first few weeks, a 30-point spread shouldn’t raise any concerns.
Today is a perfect example: No. 9 North Carolina takes on Elon, with the spread opening at -30.5 and now down to 27 on BetOnline. For transparency, I got it at -30.5 and didn’t expect such a drop, but I’m not worried about the shift.
Phoenix Preview
Elon returns three of their top five players in points, assists, and steals from last season, including UIC transfer Andrew King. He only played two games last year but averaged 8.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game two seasons ago at Houston Christian. Advanced analytics from KenPom, Haslametrics, and Barttorvik rank Elon in the high 200s to early 300s. They will rely heavily on perimeter shooting, which could pose problems against a North Carolina defense ranked ninth in the nation in defensive efficiency.
Same old Tar Heels
North Carolina’s tenth-ranked offense will face Elon’s 334th-ranked defense, setting up a promising opening game for the Tar Heels. To maintain their position atop the ACC, North Carolina returns top scorer RJ Davis, who averaged 21.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game on 39.8% shooting from three last season. They also added notable transfers, including guard Cade Tyson from Belmont, who averaged 16.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists last season, and forward Ven-Allen Lubin from Vanderbilt, who contributed 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds.
With the experience they’ve retained and added, the Tar Heels should be a formidable team. Lubin brings versatile scoring and the ability to guard multiple positions, while Tyson will enhance their playmaking alongside Davis and Elliott Cadeau. His deep shooting threat is significant; the 6’7″ guard boasts a career 44.6% three-point shooting percentage.
North Carolina will play at a fast pace, ranked 40th in tempo according to Haslametrics, while also showcasing strong defensive pressure. If Elon can’t hit their outside shots, they will struggle to stay competitive.
I’m taking the Tar Heels.
Best Bet: North Carolina (-27) on BetOnline
Interested in More Content
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on X @C_marchio2 for all of my picks and sports opinions!
Be sure to check out all things Betting News on X and Twitch!
While you are at it go get some merch at our Betting News Store!
In need of a sportsbook? Check out one of our favorites below and sign-up for a bonus!
Check Out All of Our Resources at Betting News
Former D1 (club) baseball player, Colby has been betting since his college days at DePaul, where he had to endure the worst collegiate basketball the Big East has ever seen. He is an advanced analytics nerd who spends his free time on Bart Torvik, Ken Pom and Batters-Box.com. He has never seen an underdog he has not liked. Hot. Corn. Bull. It does not matter the dog, he loves them all.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.
More NCAAB News on Betting News
Free Betting Picks