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Syracuse Orange vs. Stanford Cardinal: Prediction, Odds & Best Bets 

The Syracuse Orange are set to face the Stanford Cardinal on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Maples Pavilion. This matchup presents intriguing dynamics for bettors aiming to make informed decisions. In this analysis, we’ll delve into team performances, key player contributions, and pertinent betting trends to provide a comprehensive prediction for this game.

Stanford Cardinal: Season Overview

Stanford enters this game with a commendable 14-6 record, holding the 5th position in the ACC. Their recent 78-71 victory over Florida State highlights their competitive edge. The Cardinal have been strong against the spread (ATS), boasting a 12-8 record, and have an impressive 11-1 record at home.

Key Stats:

• Record: 14-6 (ACC: 5th place)

• Against the Spread (ATS): 12-8

• Home Record: 11-1

• Points Per Game (PPG): 77 (117th in NCAA)

• Opponent PPG: 70.2 (137th in NCAA)

• Field Goal %: 44.8%

• Three-Point %: 34.5%

• Free Throw %: 77.3% (30th in NCAA)

• Rebounds Per Game: 35.2

Key Players:

• Maxime Raynaud: 20.5 PPG, 11.7 RPG

• Jaylen Blakes: 14.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 5.2 APG

Syracuse Orange: Season Overview

Syracuse holds a 9-11 record, placing them 12th in the ACC. Their recent 73-77 loss to Pittsburgh underscores their struggles this season. The Orange are 9-10-1 ATS and have a 1-4 record on the road.

Key Stats:

• Record: 9-11 (ACC: 12th place)

• Against the Spread (ATS): 9-10-1

• Road Record: 1-4

• Points Per Game (PPG): 74.9 (181st in NCAA)

• Opponent PPG: 78 (326th in NCAA)

• Field Goal %: 45.3%

• Three-Point %: 31.2%

• Free Throw %: 68.9%

• Rebounds Per Game: 38

Key Players:

• JJ Starling: 18.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG

• Donnie Freeman: 13.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG

Betting Trends and Insights

Stanford Cardinal Trends:

• Stanford has won 12 of its last 13 home games at Maples Pavilion.

• The Cardinal are 4-1 ATS in their last five games against ACC opponents.

• Stanford has led at halftime in 12 of their last 13 home games against non-AP-ranked teams.

Syracuse Orange Trends:

• Syracuse has lost five of its last six night games against ACC opponents.

• The Orange are 1-4 in their last five road games.

• Syracuse is 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.

Head-to-Head Matchup

The last meeting between these teams was in 2011, where Syracuse secured a 69-63 victory at home. However, given the significant changes in both programs since then, this historical data has limited relevance to the upcoming game.

Prediction & Best Bets

Considering Stanford’s strong home performance and Syracuse’s struggles on the road, the Cardinal are favored in this matchup. Both teams have shown tendencies toward high-scoring games, with a combined over record of 7-3 in their last 10 games. Given these factors, betting on the over could be a prudent choice.

Best Bets:

• Stanford -10.5 Spread (Given their dominant home form)

• Over 150.5 Total Points (Both teams have been trending toward high-scoring games)

Insights

What factors contribute to Stanford’s strong home performance?

Stanford’s success at home can be attributed to their efficient offense, strong free-throw shooting, and solid defense, which collectively create a challenging environment for visiting teams.

How can Syracuse improve their road game performance?

To enhance their performance on the road, Syracuse needs to tighten their defense, improve shooting efficiency, and reduce turnovers to increase their competitiveness in away games.

What impact does Maxime Raynaud have on Stanford’s gameplay?

As a leading scorer and rebounder, Raynaud plays a pivotal role in Stanford’s offense and defense, contributing significantly to their overall performance.

How does JJ Starling influence Syracuse’s offensive strategy?

Starling’s scoring ability makes him a central figure in Syracuse’s offense, often dictating the team’s offensive tempo and playmaking decisions.

What are the key areas to watch in this matchup?

Key areas to watch include Stanford’s home-court advantage, the performance of leading players like Raynaud and Starling, and each team’s defensive strategies, which will be crucial in determining the game’s outcome.

Conclusion

This matchup favors Stanford, especially considering their home-court advantage and recent form. Bettors might find value in wagering on the over, given both teams’ scoring trends. If Stanford continues their dominant home play, they should cover the spread comfortably.