ACC co-champion Miami (Fla.) earned its No. 5 seed in the Midwest behind a guard-heavy lineup and transfer portal gem Norchad Omier controlling the paint. However, Omier’s injury in the ACC Tourney could greatly hamper the Hurricanes’ title hopes.
Behind the shooting of D.J. Wilkins, No. 12 seed Drake has gone 13-1 since Jan. 18 en route to winning the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title. The Bulldogs will be up to the task of playing the up-tempo style the ‘Canes enjoy.
Read on for my Miami vs Drake prediction and best bets.
Miami vs Drake Odds
Note: CBB odds mentioned in this article for Miami vs Drake were used from DraftKings Sportsbook, unless otherwise noted, and are current as of 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 14.
- Moneyline: Miami (-135) | Drake (+115)
- Spread: Miami -2 (-110) | Drake +2 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 146.5 (-110) | Under 146.5 (-110)
Miami vs Drake Pick of the Day
Keep reading for more Miami vs Drake betting tips.
Miami vs Drake Prediction
Drake 79, Miami 73
Forget the “Drake hasn’t played anyone” hoo-ha: The Bulldogs are legit. Also, the MVC has a solid 12-6 record in first-round games since 2010, and if Wilkins and leading scorer Tucker DeVries continue shooting lights-out, the Bulldogs will force the Hurricanes to play even more of an up-tempo style.
If Omier is sidelined or limited, Miami will lose its edge in the paint. The Hurricanes ranked 246th nationally in rebounds per game with him in the lineup.
This is a 5-12 matchup in which the better team is walking into an ambush.
📈 Keep track of NCAA Tournament winner odds to find our best March Madness bets:
Miami vs Drake Best Bets
Drake +2 (-110) | DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
As previously mentioned, MVC teams have fared well in the first round, and Drake is one of the hottest teams coming into the tournament. The Bulldogs have scored at least 75 points nine times during their 13-1 run and will welcome the fast pace the Hurricanes want to set
Miami was 31st in points per game behind the shooting of Isaiah Wong, Jordan Miller, Omier, and Nijel Pack, each of whom averaged at least 13.2 points per contest. However, the loss of Omier — who was injured in the ACC Tourney loss to Duke — will loom large.
Over 146.5 Total Points (-110) | DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
These teams will score and keep the pressure upon each other for the full 40 minutes. This feels like a game that will be highlighted by runs, with both the Hurricanes and Bulldogs capable of shooting lights-out for extended stretches.
Miami vs Drake Same Game Parlay
Miami vs Drake SGP (+230) | DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
- Drake +2.5 (-110)
- Over 146.5 Total Points (-110)
This is an excellent starting point to open your tourney betting. Drake is blistering-hot, and both teams will score enough to make this entertaining for both your viewing pleasure and wallet.
