North Carolina Tar Heels vs
Duke Blue DevilsPredictions & Preview

Duke Blue Devils Expected to Dominate North Carolina Tar Heels in Highly Anticipated Matchup at Cameron Indoor Stadium

In this preview of the North Carolina at Duke matchup, the Tar Heels are facing inconsistency this season with a 13-9 record, while the Blue Devils are ranked second in the country with a record of 18-2. The game is set to take place at Cameron Indoor Stadium at 6:30 pm EST. Duke is the clear favorite with a -13 opening line that has not changed. Stay tuned for more insights on this highly anticipated game.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Tar Heels +675 | Blue Devils -1108
• Spread: Tar Heels +13 (-110) | Blue Devils -13 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 148.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Duke will win straight-up is 92%.

North Carolina vs Duke Stats

North Carolina Tar Heels

The North Carolina Tar Heels are facing challenges with consistency this season, as demonstrated by their recent loss to the Pittsburgh Panthers. Head coach Hubert Davis attributed the defeat to turnovers and a lack of offensive efficiency down the stretch. Despite leading late in the game, the Tar Heels struggled to maintain control and ultimately fell short. With a record of 13-9, the team now looks ahead to a tough matchup against the Duke Blue Devils. In terms of statistics, the Tar Heels rank prominently in offense but struggle defensively, particularly in allowing points and three-point shooting. Key players like RJ Davis and Seth Trimble have shown promise, but the team will need to address their weaknesses in order to compete effectively in the ACC.

Duke Blue Devils Analysis

The Duke Blue Devils secured a 74-64 home victory over North Carolina State, extending their winning streak to 14 games, currently the longest in the country. Head coach Jon Scheyer acknowledged the team's mental preparation as crucial to the hard-fought win. Freshman standout Cooper Flagg contributed 28 points, leading the team alongside Kon Knueppel and Sion James. Duke's dominance was highlighted by a 19-0 scoring run and a strong rebounding performance. The team's impressive record of 18-2 includes an undefeated 10-0 ACC standing, showcasing strong offensive and defensive prowess. Duke ranks highly in scoring, field goal shooting, and defensive efficiency, leading the ACC in several categories. Despite an injury to forward Maliq Brown, the Blue Devils display a balanced game with solid shooting and defensive skills. Duke's offense is effective in field goals, free throws, and three-pointers, while their defense excels in limiting opponent field goals and three-pointers. The team's rebounding and ball movement contribute to their success, with a strong focus on defensive assists. North Carolina has a challenging history against Duke, going 1-2 in their last three matchups. The Blue Devils' performance merits a power ranking of 36, with a potent offense ranked fifth in the country and a top-tier defense.

Duke Poised for Victory as North Carolina Struggles in Rebounding and 3-Point Shooting

In this upcoming matchup, North Carolina faces a challenging opponent in Duke. Historically known for strong rebounding and 3-point shooting, the Tar Heels have not performed up to par in these areas this season. Conversely, Duke excels in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game. To successfully compete against Duke, a team must match their rebounding prowess and proficiency in long-range shooting. Unfortunately, North Carolina ranks low in the ACC for both 3-point shooting and rebounding, leaving them at a disadvantage. Duke leads the conference in rebounding and 3-point field goals made per game, indicating their strength in these crucial areas. Although standout player Davis has shown promising performance, he has not demonstrated the shooting range needed to compete against Duke. With Duke's consistent performance and ability to control the tempo through strong rebounding and defense, they are poised for a convincing victory. In this contest, the advantage lies with Duke.

Sources: [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ]