Syracuse vs Wake Forest Prediction 12-31-24 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Syracuse vs Wake Forest Prediction for this college basketball game on Tuesday, December 31st, at the Pinnacle Bank Arena. Let’s take a look at a Syracuse Orange vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Pick. 

Syracuse Has Been Inconsistent

Syracuse has been inconsistent heading into this game but they are coming off a victory in the last game. In the last game against Bucknell, Syracuse scored 75 points, and they ended up winning by 12 points. At halftime, they were up 43-31 and in the second half, they held on for the victory. The Orange shot 47.4 percent from the field and 30.4 percent from behind the three-point line. They did shoot only 60.9 percent from the free throw line, and that is going to need to be improved upon. Eddie Lampkin Jr was the top player for Syracuse putting up 18 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Donnie Freeman put up 15 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. 

Syracuse on the season is averaging 77.3 points while their defense is giving up 78.8 points per game. The offense is ranked 142nd in the league while the defense is ranked 331st. As a team, they are shooting 69.2 percent from the charity stripe which is the 246th best in the league. JJ Starling is dealing with a hand injury and he’s going to be out for this game. Donnie Freeman is averaging 13.7 points while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from behind the three-point line. After this game, Syracuse heads for a matchup against Florida and Georgia Tech.

Long Season for Wake Forest?

It appears this could be a long season for Wake Forest and they hope they can at least be sort of competitive in the ACC. the last game for Wake Forest came against Clemson and they scored only 62 points and they ended up losing by 11 points. Hunter Sallis did have a strong game putting up 26 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Cameron Hildreth put up 15 points, four rebounds, and one assist. The problem was outside of those two there wasn’t enough production and that is going to need to be better. Wake Forest did shoot 50 percent from the field but only 23.1 percent from behind the three-point line. They allowed Clemson to only shoot 39.3 percent from the field, but that still wasn’t good enough. 

Wake Forest is averaging 67.5 points while their defense is giving up 64.9 points per game. The offense is ranked 326th in the league while the defense is ranked 41st. This is a team that is averaging 4.46 blocks per game which is 60th in the league. One issue for Wake Forest is they are dealing with a ton of players out. Two players are hurt, and four other players have decided to take a redshirt year. After this matchup with the Orange, Wake Forest will head home to welcome NC State to town to kick off 2025.

Syracuse vs Wake Forest Prediction

This game is going to all come down to what team is able to dictate the pace. Wake Forest wants to keep the pace slower and their defense has been good overall giving up only 64.9 points per game. Syracuse is averaging 78.8 points per game, and they are going to do everything in their power to try and push the pace. 

At home, Syracuse is going to have the upper hand. Syracuse’s offense has been good, but even against a good defense, they are going to have no issue getting the job done here. I am not saying Syracuse is going to score 80 points here, but they are going to score at least 70 points and that is going to be enough for the home team to get the job done. Back Syracuse against the spread here.