| MATCHUP | Wake Forest Demon Deacons | Vanderbilt Commodores |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| Spread | +17.5 -112 | -17.5 -108 |
| Moneyline | +1300 | -2800 |
| Total | Over 154.5 (-115) | Under 154.5 (-105) |
| Where | Memorial Gymnasium (TN), Nashville, TN | |
| When | Thursday, November 5, 2026 | |
| Time | 06:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN2 | |
Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Vanderbilt Commodores Prediction
In my view, this matchup favors the Vanderbilt Commodores covering the number (14.5). Why? While Wake Forest opened the 2026 season with an impressive 83-62 victory over the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks, the larger body of work still favors Vanderbilt. The Demon Deacons finished just 18-17 overall and 7-11 in ACC play last season, largely due to defensive issues. Wake Forest averaged a healthy 78.8 points per game and allowed opponents a whopping 76.9 points per contest.Meanwhile, Vanderbilt is coming off an NCAA Tournament season and already has one dominant performance under its belt in 2026, dismantling the Bellarmine Knights 93-47 three days ago. The Commodores also throttled Wake Forest 98-67 in Winston-Salem less than a year ago, showcasing a significant athleticism and talent advantage. Additionally, I cannot overlook Vanderbilt’s home court advantage. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Vanderbilt Commodores to cover the 14.5 points in this game.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Preview
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons enter Thursday night’s game after posting an 18-17 overall win-loss record (13-7 home record, 2-7 road record and a 7-11 ACC Conference record) last season. Wake Forest recorded victories over Memphis, West Virginia, Clemson and California, while suffering losses to Oklahoma, North Carolina, Duke and Vanderbilt.Earlier this week, the Demon Deacons opened the 2026 regular season with a dominant 83-62 victory over the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks. Wake Forest will look to build on the team’s recent quality play in this matchup with the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Last season the Wake Forest Demon Deacons averaged 78.8 points per game (83rd in nation) while allowing 76.9 points per contest last season. What did we learn from the data just presented? Wake Forest’s offense was more than capable of producing success, but the team’s poor defense prevented the Demon Deacons from posting more wins.
Vanderbilt Commodores Betting Preview
The Vanderbilt Commodores enter Thursday night’s matchup after a highly successful 2025 campaign that culminated in an NCAA Tournament appearance. Vanderbilt spent much of the season ranked nationally and clearly establishing the team as one of the better units in the SEC.The Commodores recorded notable victories over multiple SEC opponents. It is noteworthy that Vanderbilt defeated Wake Forest 98-67 in a December matchup on the road in 2025.
Vanderbilt’s offense was a major strength throughout the 2025 season, consistently creating efficient scoring opportunities while utilizing strong guard play and quality perimeter shooting. The Commodores also displayed the ability to compete with high caliber opponents on a nightly basis.
Shifting our focus to 2026, the Commodores played at a high level in the team’s season opening game. Let me be more specific. Three days ago, the Vanderbilt Commodores defeated the Bellarmine Knights 93-47.
Why the Wake Forest Demon Deacons Will Win
• Offensive production. Wake Forest averaged 78.8 points per game last season.• Quality play in 2025. The Demon Deacons posted a respectable 18-17 win-loss record in 2025.
• Postseason experience. Wake Forest earned an NIT berth last season.
• Momentum. Earlier this week, the Demon Deacons opened the 2026 regular season with a dominant 83-62 victory over the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks.
Why the Vanderbilt Commodores Will Win
• Previous meeting. The Vanderbilt Commodores defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 98-67 last season.• Current form. Three days ago, the Vanderbilt Commodores defeated the Bellarmine Knights 93-47.
• Home court advantage. Vanderbilt opens the season at Memorial Gymnasium.
• NCAA Tournament experience. Vanderbilt reached the NCAA Tournament following the 2025 regular season.