North Carolina is currently thriving on all cylinders as the team has a four-game win streak while making their way through ACC play. Currently ranked No. 15 overall, after getting wins against Virginia Tech and Wake Forest earlier in the week. Winning both games by a combined 31 points certainly helped build their March resume, but injuries are starting to take their toll which could make the back-half of their season more difficult as they prepare to take on Florida State.
The Tar Heels have won their last nine of ten games and have a big stretch coming up after facing the Seminoles where they place Syracuse, Louisville and Virginia back-to-back-to-back. That could hurt their postseason chances as several star players are dealing with injuries. Theo Pinson is out for the foreseeable future after breaking a bone in his left foot. Nate Britt is questionable with a hip injury. Joel Berry II has a hurt groin, Stillman White and Luke Davis have foot issues while Sasha Seymore has a knee problem.
Losing Britt could be the biggest hit. He was averaging 5.6 points in 15.6 minutes per game. Pinson was putting up 3.3 points and 3.7 rebounds in 14.6 minutes of play. While none of the players are major stars, they have all played key roles this season which could factor into the team's record late in the year. With those players out, Brice Johnson and Kennedy Meeks will lead the frontcourt after putting up a combined 35 points on 16-of-22 shooting. Justin Jackson also add 17 points in the win on Wednesday.
The Tar Heels are hoping they can repeat their shooting success. The team shot a season-high 60.3 percent while averaging a conference best 75.3 points. Meanwhile the Florida State Seminoles are giving up 71.3 points per game. Opponents are converting 38.2 percent of their 3-point shots. Against Clemson, they managed to hold the Tigers to 34.0 percent shooting and will need to repeat that if they stand a chance.