Under coach Pat Kelsey (in his second year), the Cardinals have been strong this season (19-6 SU) and have solid ACC play (8-4). They’ve shown offensive firepower. For example, there was a recent high-scoring win of 118-77 over NC State, along with competitiveness against top foes. Key contributors include guards/forwards providing scoring and rebounding depth. Louisville aims to build on recent momentum in College Basketball odds with a quality road win here to boost its resume.
Led by coach Hubert Davis, UNC remains a blue-blood contender with an 8-4 ACC mark and strong overall form (20-5). They boast balanced play, tough defense in key moments, and home-court dominance at the Smith Center. Recent results include solid wins, positioning them well in the ACC race for a high seed. UNC looks to defend home court against a pesky Louisville squad.
This matchup is a classic ACC battle. To show, UNC is favored at home, but Louisville’s form could make it competitive. This ACC clash features two solid teams tied at 8-4 in conference play, battling for better positioning in the standings and NCAA Tournament seeding.
Louisville Cardinals at North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Monday, February 23, 2026, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Dean E Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NC |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Louisville at North Carolina Betting Odds Analysis
Of great concern is that North Carolina freshman sensation Caleb Wilson is out indefinitely with a fracture in his left hand, suffered during the loss at Miami on Feb 10. Wilson (leading scorer 19.8 PPG and rebounder 9.4 RPG) is a massive loss. Consider that he is a high-end NBA prospect. Coach Hubert Davis recently offered a somewhat hopeful update, saying Wilson will “be back on the floor soon,” but no firm timetable has been set.
Louisville Cardinals Team Overview
The Louisville Cardinals are 19-7 straight up, 13-13 against the spread, and 11-15 over/under the sportsbook odds total. Late on, Louisville has covered two out of its last three games. While the Cardinals have gone over the total in three of their previous four matchups.
Louisville ranks 24th in scoring offense, 63rd in field goal percentage, 86th in 3-point field goal percentage, 25th in free throw percentage, and 21st in offensive rebounding. In comparison, the Cardinals rank 68th for scoring defense, 26th for field goal percentage permitted, 113th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 125th for defensive rebounding.
North Carolina Tar Heels Team Overview
The North Carolina Tar Heels are 20-6 straight up, 14-12 against the spread, and 12-14 on the over/under. Late on, North Carolina has covered five out of their last eight games. The Tar Heels have gone under the total in three of their previous four matchups.
North Carolina ranks 44th in scoring offense, 50th in field goal percentage, 160th in 3-point field goal percentage, 283rd in free throw percentage, and 24th in offensive rebounding. In comparison, the Tar Heels rank 124th for scoring defense, 42nd for field goal percentage permitted, 208th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 147th for defensive rebounding.
Louisville at North Carolina Betting Trends
Louisville covered three of its last four games with North Carolina. Additionally, all four of those games went under the total. Specifically at North Carolina, Louisville covered the spread in five of their last seven visits against the Tar Heels. Four of the last five games between the Cardinals and Tar Heels at North Carolina went under the total.
Louisville at North Carolina SBG Free Picks
To summarize, the Cardinals provide plus-money upside on the spread or moneyline. They’ve been explosive offensively (high PPG in spots) and competitive in ACC play (8-4), with recent blowout wins showing form. In turn, Louisville has covered in select road/big games. Casual sector money will inflate North Carolina’s odds at home.
Louisville at North Carolina SBG Best Bet: Louisville Cardinals.