The North Carolina Tar Heels will look to run their winning streak to four games as they host the Syracuse Orange on Monday night.
The Tar Heels have been rejuvenated by a recent lineup change, and my Syracuse vs. North Carolina predictions are taking them to cover again.
Let’s break down this ACC matchup in my free college basketball picks for February 2.
Syracuse vs North Carolina prediction
Syracuse vs North Carolina best bet: North Carolina -11.5 (-110)
After a vintage start to the North Carolina Tar Heels season, they ran into some trouble in early January, losing three of four to begin 2026. But they’ve since won three straight and appear to be playing much better with freshman point guard Derek Dixon running the offense.
Dixon’s statistical impact has been minimal, but he seems to be getting the best out of the rest of his starters, including Caleb Wilson (20.0 ppg), Seth Trimble (14.5 ppg), and center Henri Veesaar (16.8 ppg), all of whom have enjoyed big games during the current winning streak.
If North Carolina is back on track, that’s bad news for the Syracuse Orange.
The Orange did finally pick up a win on Saturday over Notre Dame to break a four-game losing streak. They had previously failed to cover in any of their four defeats, including a 20-point loss to the North Carolina State Wolfpack last week.
The Orange are playing around with new lineups as well — they moved Donnie Freeman (18.2 ppg) to the bench on Saturday — but they don’t have the same level of talent or depth as the Tar Heels.
Roll with North Carolina at home tonight.
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Syracuse vs North Carolina same-game parlay
Both teams are playing hard towards the Over lately, with the Tar Heels hitting it in seven straight games, while the Orange have gone Over in seven of their last eight.
I’ll also take North Carolina star Wilson to hit his scoring total, as he’s dropped 21+ points in six of his last nine games.
Syracuse vs North Carolina SGP
- North Carolina -11.5
- Over 158.5
- Caleb Wilson Over 20.5 points
Our beyond the arc SGP: Deep impact
Wilson doesn’t hit from 3-point land very often, but he’s done so in two of his last three games, and I’m taking a flier on him continuing to fire away from deep tonight.
Syracuse vs North Carolina SGP
- North Carolina -11.5
- Over 158.5
- Caleb Wilson Over 20.5 points
- Caleb Wilson Over 0.5 3-pointers
Syracuse vs North Carolina odds
- Spread: Syracuse +11.5 | North Carolina -11.5
- Moneyline: Syracuse +520 | North Carolina -750
- Over/Under: Over 158.5 | Under 158.5
Syracuse vs North Carolina betting trend to know
North Carolina is 3-0 ATS in its last three games overall. Find more college basketball betting trends for Syracuse vs. North Carolina.
How to watch Syracuse vs North Carolina
| Location | Dean E. Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NC |
| Date | Monday, February 2, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Syracuse vs North Carolina key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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