This story was updated to add new information.
Clemson basketball is on a heater as it enters its final 10 games of the regular season.
The No. 25 Tigers (17-4, 9-1) will face N.C. State (9-11, 2-7) on Saturday (1:30 p.m. ET, CW Network) at Lenovo Center. They are tied for second in the ACC standings and are on a five-game win streak. They are in position to land one of the four ACC Tournament quarterfinal byes and make the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive season.
The Wolfpack have lost five straight games and are 16th in the ACC. They desperately need a win Saturday vs. Clemson, a team it hasn’t defeated at home since January 2020.
Here are three things to know and a score prediction for this ACC game:
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Clemson back in action after seven-day break, hoping for improved health
Clemson returns to action hoping its key contributors are healthy. It has been plagued with illnesses throughout January with center Viktor Lahkin and guards Chase Hunter and Dillon Hunter missing halves or games because of the flu.
The week off is also crucial for forward Ian Schieffelin, who has been dealing with back spasms and a calf sprain. He has been playing heavy minutes despite the injuries as coach Brad Brownell trusts his nicked-up star over a healthy reserve.
Clemson enters its final 10 regular-season games optimistic it can make it to the end with a healthy unit.
What to know about NC State basketball, Kevin Keatts, Marcus Hill
After winning the ACC tournament and reaching the Final Four last season, N.C. State has regressed. It is on a five-game losing streak, losing by an average of 4.8 points.
The Wolfpack’s leading scorers are guards Marcus Hill (12.8 points) and Jayden Taylor (12.5). Both have scored in double figures in three of their past four games.
In conference play, NC State averages 66.2 points, the second fewest, and allows 70 points. Despite its low-scoring output, it commits the fewest turnovers in the ACC (84).
NC State is 0-5 in Quadrant 1 games and 9-4 at home this season.
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Can Clemson avoid pitfall after strong start in ACC play?
Clemson, a team that was picked to finish fourth in the conference, is off to its second-best start in ACC play in program history, matching its run in the 2022-23 season.
Two years ago, the Tigers finished 14-6 in conference after a 9-1 start. Their struggles led them to miss the NCAA tournament, being one of the first four teams out.
Clemson has dominated in league play this season but must avoid the same fate from two seasons ago as its schedule gets tougher. It will face No. 2 Duke (Feb. 8), North Carolina (Feb. 10), and SMU (Feb. 22) next month — all of which are projected to make March Madness or are on the bubble of the tournament.
Clemson vs NC State prediction, picks
Clemson 71, NC State 65: The Tigers will return from their seven-day break rejuvenated and take down their conference foe. It will be close game as the Wolfpack take care of the ball and have kept games close against teams during their losing streak. Still, Clemson will make timely stops and baskets in the final minutes thanks to Chase Hunter and Schieffelin.
Clemson vs NC State odds
Game lines and odds for Clemson vs NC State:
- Spread: Clemson (-4.5)
- Over/under: 132.5
- Moneyline: Clemson (-184), NC State (+152)
Clemson vs NC State injury updates
- Clemson: Guard Chase Hunter missed the first half of the Tigers’ most recent game Jan. 25 with an illness but played in the second half. Freshman guard Ace Buckner and freshman forward Dallas Thomas are redshirting.
- NC State: Guard Mike James has not played this season after suffering a knee injury in preseason.
How to watch Clemson vs NC State: Time, TV channel, live stream
Clemson basketball vs. NC State will broadcast on CW Network. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
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Clemson basketball is set to face off against NC State in an exciting ACC matchup. Both teams are coming off impressive wins and will be looking to continue their winning streaks.
In terms of news and updates, Clemson will be without star player Aamir Simms, who is nursing an injury. This will be a big blow for the Tigers as Simms has been a key contributor on both ends of the floor.
On the other hand, NC State will be looking to capitalize on Clemson’s absence and secure a crucial win on their home court. The Wolfpack have been playing well as of late and will be looking to continue their momentum.
As for the score prediction, it’s bound to be a close game with both teams evenly matched. I predict a final score of Clemson 68, NC State 70. It will be a nail-biting finish, but I believe NC State will come out on top in this one. Be sure to tune in to see all the action unfold!
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