Florida State vs NC State: Preview, how-to-watch, Vegas line

It’s been over two weeks since FSU basketball (5-2, 1-1) took the court, but that’s the new normal in a Covid themed season. FSU has worked through issues with players and staff, and are now set to host the NC State Wolfpack (6-3, 2-2).

NCSU opened ACC play with wins over North Carolina and Boston College, before falling to Clemson and Miami. They only played one top 100 team in out-of-conference play, losing to St. Louis.

They’re led by 5th year senior Devon Daniels (6-5, 200). He scores 15.9 ppg and remains efficient despite being a poor shooter (32.5% from deep for his career). About midway through last year he finally stopped hanging around the 3-point line and began playing downhill. Since then he’s been a different player. He’s also a high end defender and turns defense into offense.

Another senior, big man DJ Funderburk (6-10, 225), scores 13.0 ppg. He’s made 72% of his 2s, which have largely been dunks, though he will rarely step out and brick a 3-pointer. In conference play he leads the ACC in efficiency.

Junior Jericole Hellems (6-7, 205) is a high energy wing who scores 11.2 per game. He does tend to fall in love with the 3-pointer, despite making just 32.8% for his career.

In total, their offense finds a way to be solid (57th) without being really good at any one thing.

They are slightly better defensively (48th), primarily due to their pressure which generates the 6th most steals nationally. Beyond that, they give up too many easy buckets, and are vulnerable on the offensive glass.

The game tips at 6:30 from the Tuck and will be broadcast on the ACC Network. FSU opened as a 3.5 point favorite.