Wake Forest Demon Deacons at NC State Wolfpack Predictions, Picks, Odds, and Line Movement for December 31, 2025
The ACC continues with a high-profile matchup as the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (9-4, head to Raleigh to face the NC State Wolfpack (9-4) on New Year’s Eve for a ACC battle. Wake Forest is one of the league’s most dangerous under-the-radar teams, while NC State brings top-level efficiency and balanced scoring.
Last season these teams spilt their two head-to-head meetings with the home team covering each time. Make sure you know about all of our other great college basketball picks.
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Coming off an embarrassing performance
Wake Forest comes into Raleigh off a brutal 98-67 home loss to No. 13 Vanderbilt. The Commodores were lights out from deep, hitting 16 of 32 three-pointers, while the Demon Decane shot just 35% from the field. Myles Colvin led the way in the loss with 20 points and 12 rebounds and Juke Harris added 19 points.
Despite the recent poor showing, the Demon Deacons are having a solid season. They are rated No. 59 by KenPom overall, 74th nationally in adjusted offense (114.5) and 40th on defense (101.4) per KenPom. Juke Harris leads the team at 19.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, with Myles Colvin (13.8 ppg) and Nate Calmese (8.6 ppg, 5.1 apg) providing spacing and playmaking. Wake’s aggressive defense forces turnovers on over 21% of opponent possessions, and depth is a strength, with bench players logging nearly 35% of total minutes.
Efficient and Loaded
NC State comes in on a two-game winning streak, including a solid victory over Ole Miss, and is one of the ACC’s most efficient offenses. They rank 21st nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency (121.7) and push a tempo of 71.2 possessions per game. Quadir Copeland leads the team with 14.5 points and 5.8 assists per game, shooting over 60% from the field and 55% from three. Darrion Williams adds 14.8 points and 5.4 rebounds, Paul McNeil Jr. contributes 14.3 points and knocks down 42.3% of his shots from long range, and Ven-Allen Lubin dominates inside with 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds on 69% shooting.
Defensively, NC State ranks 44th nationally and is solid, but not elite, which opens opportunities for Wake Forest if they can slow the pace. The Wolfpack have handled most opponents well, though they’ve been tested in close games, including a one-point overtime loss to Kansas.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons at NC State Wolfpack Predictions
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Tony Karpinski | +2,976.00 |
| 2 |  Joe Duffy | +2,595.00 |
| 3 |  The Insiders Room | +2,320.00 |
| 4 |  Mark Ruelle | +1,627.00 |
| 5 |  Jackie Mack | +1,451.00 |
Wake Forest vs NC State ATS Pick:
- NC State to cover (4 units)
Both teams thrive in transition, but NC State executes it more efficiently. The Wolfpack’s fast-paced offense will likely overwhelm Wake Forest, particularly after Vanderbilt exposed Wake’s struggles against quick, athletic teams. With multiple players who can score effectively inside and out, NC State is poised to dictate the tempo, exploit mismatches, and pull away over 40 minutes. Expect the Wolfpack to control the game early and maintain a steady lead, covering the spread. Historically, the home team has been dominant ATS in this matchup, going 5-0 in the last five meetings. Take NC State.
Wake Forest vs NC State Total Pick:
- Over (5 units)
With NC State 75th and Wake Forest ranking 78th nationally in adjusted tempo, expect a track meet, as both teams like to push the pace. I expect NC State to run and score in transition while Wake Forest will generate points off turnovers and sharp shooting from Colvin and Calmese. Transition baskets, quick possessions, and high-volume shooting make the over the play here.
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