North Carolina vs NC State Prediction 2/17/26 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate a North Carolina vs NC State Prediction for this college basketball game on Tuesday, February 17^th. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this college basketball matchup.

NC State Wolfpack Preview

The NC State Wolfpack have an 18-8 overall record this season and a 9-4 record in the ACC. They are coming off a 77-76 road loss against Miami and their previous three games were a 118-77 road loss against Louisville, an 82-73 home win against Virginia Tech and an 84-83 road loss against SMU.

Offensively, NC State averages 85 points per game, while allowing 74.4 points per game defensively. The Wolfpack shoot with 48% from the field and grab 35.1 rebounds per game, while dishing out 16.3 assists per game. They average 3.2 blocks per game and 8.4 steals per game defensively.

Darrion Williams leads NC State in scoring, with an average of 14.2 points per game, while shooting with 41.6% from the field and 78.6% from the free throw line. Ven-Allen Lubin leads the team in rebounds with 7.1 per game, while Quadir Copeland leads the team in assists with 6.8 per game.

North Carolina Tar Heels Preview

The North Carolina Tar Heels have a 20-5 overall record this season and an 8-4 record in the ACC. They are coming off a 79-65 home win against Pittsburgh and their previous three games were a 75-66 road loss against Miami, a 71-68 home win against Duke and an 87-77 home win against Syracuse.

Offensively, North Carolina averages 81.8 points per game, while allowing 70.4 points per game defensively. The Tar Heels shoot with 48% from the field and grab 38.8 rebounds per game, while dishing out 16.8 assists per game. They average 3.5 blocks per game and 5.7 steals per game defensively.

Caleb Wilson leads North Carolina in scoring, with an average of 19.8 points per game, while shooting with 57.8% from the field and 71.3% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 9.4 rebounds per game. Kyan Evans leads the team in assists with 2.9 per game.

North Carolina Tar Heels @ NC State Wolfpack Betting Trends: February 17, 2026

Why the NC State Wolfpack will win

• NC State has won seven of its last eight night games at Lenovo Center.
• NC State has won the first half in eight of its last nine home games against Conference opponents.

Why the North Carolina Tar Heels will win

• North Carolina has won each of its last seven road games against NC State following a home win.
• NC State has lost eight of its last nine games against AP-ranked opponents.
• North Carolina has won the first half in 21 of its last 22 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

North Carolina vs NC State Prediction

In this North Carolina vs NC State Prediction, NC State is coming as -5.5 home favorites. North Carolina has been the better team this season but both teams have been in very good form lately, as NC State is 6-2 in its last 8 games but 0-4 against the spread, while North Carolina is 6-1 in its last 7 and 5-2 against the spread. North Carolina also dominates this matchup, as they are 7-3 in their last 10 overall meetings against NC State and have a much better defense, so I expect them to keep this one close on the road. Take North Carolina and get the +5.5 points.