Clemson vs. Virginia Odds, Picks, Predictions: Tigers Present Value as Road Underdogs (Wednesday, Dec. 22)
Mitchell Layton/Getty Images. Pictured: Al-Amir Dawes.
- Virginia is a slight home favorite on Wednesday night in ACC play against Clemson.
- The Cavaliers are known to prefer a slow, methodical pace, although the Tigers will look to thrive from beyond the arc to secure a road win.
- Doug Ziefel breaks down the matchup and delivers his betting pick below.
Clemson vs. Virginia Odds
| Clemson Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -110 | 120.5 -110o / -110u | N/A |
| Virginia Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -110 | 120.5 -110o / -110u | N/A |
The ACC schedule gives us an early matchup that could come down to the last possession, as the Clemson Tigers head north to face the Virginia Cavaliers.
Brad Brownell's squad has gotten off to a solid start and comes into this game on a three-game winning streak.
The Tigers have taken care of their business when it comes to facing lesser opponents, but they are only 1-4 in games against Power 6 programs — though to Clemson's credit, each game has been tightly contested.
Virginia, meanwhile, has gotten off to an uncharacteristic start. The Cavaliers may have a winning record, but their four losses define them more than their wins. Being upset early on by Navy knocked Virginia out of the AP Poll, and its most recent loss came at the hands of James Madison.
Tony Bennett's team is showing signs of being one that plays to the level of its competition. If that trend continues, this conference matchup may help kickstart the Cavaliers.
Let's dive in to find out who will come out on top in this ACC showdown.
Clemson Tigers
Tigers Dialed in From Long Range
If you have watched Clemson this season, it's quite apparent how it plans to score. This season, 38% of the Tigers' offense has come from beyond the arc. Now, fortunately for them, their 41.4% mark from 3-point range is good for fifth in the nation.
What is interesting, though, is that Clemson's leading scorer is not a volume 3-point shooter. PJ Hall is a 6-foot-10 forward who averages nearly 15 points per game. While he does have the ability to stretch the floor and make the 3-ball, he has only done so at a 31% rate this season.
The sniper that leads the Tigers' 3-point barrage is Al-Amir Dawes, who is tied for second on the team in scoring. He is shooting 44% from behind the arc while shooting a high volume of 3s.
Dawes' marksmanship is impressive, but fellow guards David Collins and Nick Honor are both shooting over 30% from 3 this year, as well.
All signs point to the Tigers relying on the 3-point shot again in this game, as 40% of points scored against Virginia this season have come from deep.
If Clemson is able to shoot effectively early, it will hugely benefit Hall down low. When the Tigers are on from deep, opponents can't help out against Hall in the post.
Virginia Cavaliers
Cavaliers Thrive in The Half-Court
Bennett's style is as prevalent as ever this season. The 2021-22 Cavaliers rank 358th in tempo and 56th in adjusted defensive efficiency. That has been a staple of Virginia teams in years past, as it doesn't play many high-scoring games.
The Cavaliers are 301st in points per game this season.
While points may be hard to come by, Jayden Gardner can put them up in bunches this season. Gardner leads Virginia in both points and rebounds, providing a physical interior presence at 6-foot-6.
Despite the senior's smaller stature for a big man, he's registered a double-double in five of the Cavaliers' last six games, one of which saw him post a season-high 29 points against Fairleigh Dickinson.
As for how the Cavaliers will fare in this matchup, the Tigers are not just an offensive juggernaut. They have actually done a great job at contesting shots and forcing misses, ranking 75th in effective field goal percentage allowed.
It's not a good matchup for Gardner, who may be stifled against the height and length of Hall down low.
Clemson vs. Virginia Betting Pick
While Virginia will keep the pace slow, it has not proven it can capitalize offensively against quality opponents.
Clemson will be the third-most efficient offense that Virginia will face this year. The first two were Houston and Iowa, both of which defeated the Cavaliers.
Clemson is on the right side in this game if it can get hot from the perimeter and pull away early. The Tigers are very live 'dogs in this one.
Pick: Clemson +3 (Play to 1.5)
How would you rate this article?
Betting Promos for Canada Bettors: Sportsbook Welcome Bonuses & Deposit Matches for NHL Playoffs, Any Event
Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code ACTION41000 Offers $1K First Bet Insurance for All Sports This Week; 10 Profit Boosts in IA, ME & MD
PrizePicks Promo Code ACTIONMAX: Get Up to $100 in Bonus Funds with First Deposit
The Top 8 NBA Betting Promos & Welcome Bonuses for Wednesday's Playoff Action
Follow Us On Social
