Louisville vs Wake Forest

Louisville’s two-game winning streak and 16-6 record, contrasted with Wake Forest’s four-game skid and 11-11 mark, make the Cardinals the clear moneyline side even at a steep -600 price. With Wake missing starting point guard Nate Calmese to a grade 3 ankle sprain and Louisville listing versatile wing J’Vonne Hadley as a game-time decision after his recent back contusion, the depth and continuity in the Cardinals’ rotation still look superior. Louisville’s elite scoring margin, high-volume three-point attack led by Ryan Conwell and Isaac McKneely, and recent defensive grind-it-out win over Notre Dame point to a team better equipped to close out a road favorite’s job than a short-handed Deacs group leaning heavily on Juke Harris for offense. Taking Louisville on the moneyline is more about securing a likely win than chasing value, so the pick earns a B+ grade for high probability but limited monetary upside. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 07/02/2026 12:34.

Wake Forest’s four-game losing streak and the strain of playing without floor general Nate Calmese, combined with Louisville’s two-game heater and occasional road shooting volatility, nudge this total of 160.5 toward the under despite both teams’ offensive reputations. Calmese’s absence reduces Wake’s playmaking and may force even more high-usage isolation from Juke Harris, while Louisville could again be managing J’Vonne Hadley’s minutes after his recent back issue, slightly trimming their small-ball pace and versatility. Louisville’s offense has been one of the ACC’s most explosive and Wake’s defense has bled points all year, but projections in the 158 range plus the Deacs’ weakened backcourt, Louisville’s willingness to lean on defense when threes aren’t falling, and the pressure of an ACC mid-season grinder all suggest a total that lands a couple of possessions below this inflated number. I’ll take Under 160.5 at -120 with a B grade, acknowledging the risk that a barrage of Louisville threes or late-game fouling could still push this over. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 07/02/2026 12:34. cbssports.com

Juke Harris and the Demon Deacons may be riding a four-game slide while Louisville comes in on a two-game winning streak, but catching +9.5 at home in Winston-Salem makes Wake Forest an attractive side against the spread. With Calmese ruled out and Harris forced into a huge offensive load, Wake’s backcourt is thin, yet Louisville has its own concerns: J’Vonne Hadley is a game-time decision after a back contusion, the Cards are only 2-4 on the road, and predictive metrics project more of a mid-single-digit margin than a double-digit runaway. Louisville’s three-point firepower from Conwell and McKneely and their superior depth still make them rightful favorites, but a desperate home team with a primary scorer capable of keeping them in touch, combined with an inflated number relative to projections and the Cards’ occasional road wobble, tilts value toward Wake Forest +9.5 at -118. I’ll grade this spread pick a B+ for offering meaningful cushion with the home dog while still respecting Louisville’s overall edge. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 07/02/2026 12:34. cardchronicle.com