ACC Tournament betting guide: Is it Duke or nothing?

Duke lost its emotional last home game for Mike Krzyzewski, but the Blue Devils still captured the regular-season title in the ACC this season. 

The loss to North Carolina was their worst of the season, but they still finished a game ahead of UNC and Miami. In terms of talent, the Blue Devils are still a tier or two apart from the rest of the league this season.

There are some other good teams (maybe) in the ACC, but the Blue Devils might be the only one that can afford to lose in the conference tournament without it dinging them too badly in terms of their NCAA Tournament status. If they can win out they might be a No. 1 seed.

Here are the odds for the ACC Tournament and some quick thoughts about each team heading into this week. 

• Duke -130
• North Carolina +850
• Wake Forest +900
• Notre Dame +1000
• Virginia Tech +1000
• Miami (FL) +1000
• Virginia +1800
• Syracuse +4000
• Florida State +7500
• Clemson +8000
• Louisville +9000
• North Carolina State +10000
• Georgia Tech +15000
• Pitt +20000
• Boston College +25000 

Duke -130

Duke is the most talented team by far. If motivated, the Blue Devils could win every game by double digits. Plus, there's decent value because they might have big numbers to cover early. I prefer not to pay a premium on futures bets, but it is hard to argue for any other team. 

Best Bet

North Carolina +850

This is a massive gap between the first and second team (in terms of odds) in a conference tournament. With UNC having just beaten Duke, this gets very interesting too. Maybe the Tar Heels are peaking right now, and they could avoid Duke until the finals. If you think Duke could fall, this is a bet to make. 

Wake Forest +900

The Demon Deacons had a very nice season, but I have no confidence in them to go on a run this month. They have just one player you really need to guard closely and beat up the bottom of the league mostly. 

Notre Dame +1000

The Irish have proven they can beat good teams, and their slow-paced style can be very effective when you are playing on back-to-back days, something that is rare during the season. They also have a great set of guards so they seem to always play in control.

Best Value

Virginia Tech +1000

There are a lot of frustrating teams in the ACC this season. The computers love the Hokies, but when you watch them you do not see a team that matches those numbers. The thing Tech does really well is shoot the ball, so there is a possibility the Hokies get hot and stay hot. 

Miami (FL) +1000

Miami had a very nice season, finishing fourth in the league. The Hurricanes are all offense though so it is hard to see them making a run. They are kind of like Notre Dame light, but you have to pay the same price so you are better off going with the Irish. 

Virginia +1800

This is the team that nobody wants to play. The Cavaliers are not as talented as they have been in the past, nor are they as strong defensively, but they are so patient with what they do. That can be maddening for teams that want to play with energy and are more talented. 

Syracuse +4000

It is always the Orange teams that are underrated that you have to worry about the most. Coach Jim Boeheim is usually good for wins this time of year, and it is all or nothing this week in terms of getting into the tournament. The Orange can shoot their way into some success, but winning it all feels like too much of a stretch. You're better off playing them game to game if you like them. 

Sleeper

Florida State +7500

The Seminoles have been the most disappointing team in the ACC all season long. (Yes, there is competition — see below.) In terms of talent though they are still in the top half of the league. Maybe they can finally play a few games in a row at a high level. The price makes them worth it, if your sanity can take it. 

Long Shot

Clemson +8000

The Tigers used to be right there with Virginia as one of the stingiest defensive teams in the country. They have lost that ability this season too and with it the ability to win games they are not supposed to. They will compete hard but make a quick exit this week. 

Louisville +9000

Another candidate for the most disappointing team in the ACC, maybe these guys should be ahead of FSU as their struggles cost them their head coach too. They do have the talent, and they should not get pushed around the way they have been this season. I could see them getting a win, maybe two, but a run to win it all is just too much to ask. 

North Carolina State +10000

The Wolfpack suffered a major injury to big man Manny Bates early and never got their season going this year. Wing scorer Dereon Seabron just wasn't enough for them to compete, but at the same time, they should have gotten a few more wins given how weak the league was this season. Coach Kevin Keatts might be on the hot seat this offseason. 

Georgia Tech +15000

Everyone knew the Yellow Jackets were not going to be able to sustain the success they had last year. They just lost too many key pieces. The offense was a disaster even though guard Michael Devoe had a strong senior season. Coach Josh Pastner has shown he can get his guys playing their best at this time of the season so maybe they steal their first game. Anything more would be a big surprise. 

Pitt +20000

There is nothing to see here. Pitt has limited talent and probably the worst coach in the conference. The Panthers need a reset. 

Boston College +25000

If only the season could have ended after the first game of ACC play when the Eagles beat Notre Dame. There has not been much to celebrate since then, but the foundation has been laid for future mediocrity. Look for a quick exit this week.