By now the world knows about Clemson Men’s Basketball guard Brevin Galloway’s gruesome injury that came to light via social media.
Suffice it to say Galloway will be out at least a couple of games, but the bigger issue is he’s the third injured guard for the Tigers, along with Alex Hemenway and Chase Hunter.
The Tigers have rolled without Hemenway and to a lesser extent without Hunter, but adding Galloway to the list of those unable to play may be too much.
Dillon Hunter, and to a lesser extent Josh Beadle, have had their moments, but simply put they’re not a real threat from the outside as the other three are. That not only changes the Clemson offense, but it also changes what the opponents have to focus on defensively.
Florida State comes in No. 205 in the NET Rankings, and injuries or not, a loss will be devastating to Clemson’s post-season plans.
KenPom has the Tigers by 5 (75-70, 68% win probability), but I don’t believe that includes the Galloway injury, as that was the projected score earlier in the week, but I’m not sure that matters as ESPN has set the win probability at 68.6% in the Tigers favor.
There’s also the chance that Chase Hunter and/or Hemenway is available to play and while Hunter has missed only a week, Hemenway has been on the shelf since December 17.
Still, either would present a threat from the outside that won’t be there if they are unable to go.
Clemson Men’s Basketball is a 1.5-point favorite on the road in Tallahassee
Clemson is favored by 1.5 points tonight, with a total of 142.5, implying a Clemson win by a 72-70.5 score in the Tigers favor.
John Chancey (15-6, 10-11 ATS):
The injuries on the Clemson side make this one very difficult to predict. Florida State got off to a dreadful start, but they are .500 in the ACC. The game is in their house. If Clemson can get the ball low to Hall, they have a chance. They need Chase Hunter. If he plays, they win close.
Marty Coleman (15-6, 9-12 ATS):
The Tigers have won without Hemenway. The Tigers have won without Chase Hunter. Can the Tigers win without those two AND Brevin Galloway? The answer is yes they can, but the margin of error is tiny if none of the three play. My guess is Hemenway and/or Chase Hunter give it a go and the Tigers eke out a win in Tallahassee, but this one could go either way.
The game is scheduled to be televised on the ACC Network at 5 p.m. EST.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change