Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse Prediction and Odds: Back Panthers to Hang Tough on the Road

The Pittsburgh Panthers are big underdogs on the road at Syracuse tonight but have been quite good in this spot so far this year.
The Pittsburgh Panthers are big underdogs on the road at Syracuse tonight but have been quite good in this spot so far this year. / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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The ACC is back in action on Tuesday night when the Syracuse Orange host the Pittsburgh Panthers at the Carrier Dome. Each team has struggled out of the gate; both in non-conference and ACC play. 

Syracuse is 7-8 overall with a 1-3 mark in the conference and a three-game losing streak. To be fair, their three recent losses came against some strong competition and by a total of nine points combined. They took Wake Forest into OT and lost to Miami by one point. But, the Orange are back home after a week-long road trip and would love to beat up on their conference rivals. 

The Panthers have had their fair share of struggles as well and are 6-9 overall with a 1-3 mark in the ACC. They did manage to beat Boston College in their previous game by two points on the road, but they are still an underwhelming team. 

Here are the odds for this ACC matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Pittsburgh +10.5 (-115)
  • Syracuse -10.5 (-105)

Moneyline:

  • Pittsburgh +420
  • Syracuse -580

Total: 140 (Over -110/Under -110)

Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse Prediction and Pick

While these two teams look similar when you compare their records, there is little truth to that assumption. The Syracuse are a far better team that has been underperforming at a high level. Their offense is 21st in adjusted efficiency and is 51st in points per game at 78.5. They are dangerous from deep with a 3-point shooting percentage of 37.7. The offense is led by Jim Boeheim’s sons. Plural. The 1-2 punch of Buddy and Jimmy Boeheim are averaging a combined 33.2 PPG for the Orange and make up a significant chunk of their offensive production. 

While the Orange are better in nearly every aspect of the game, the spread here is just too big. Pittsburgh has been losing, but, they are a tough underdog that has been covering games at a high rate. They may be 5-5 in their last 10 games, but they are 7-3 ATS in that same span. They are on a 6-1 ATS run as underdogs and they are 3-1 ATS as an underdog in conference play. 

Syracuse has the superior stats, roster and is the home team here. But, the Panthers are no pushovers and should keep this game relatively close. 

Pick: Pittsburgh Panthers +10.5 (-110)