- Arch-rivals North Carolina and Duke renew hostilities in Durham on Saturday night
- Duke’s 14-game win streak is the longest in the country and 11 of those have been by double-digits
- See the North Carolina Tar Heels vs Duke Blue Devils odds, predictions, and player props on Feb. 1
One of the fiercest rivalries in college basketball is back in the spotlight on Saturday night as the North Carolina Tar Heels (13-9, 2-4 away, 7-14-1 ATS) visit the #2 Duke Blue Devils (18-2, 12-0 home,12-8 ATS) at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham at 6:30 pm ET. The Blue Devils, who own the longest win streak in Division I at 14 games, are listed as massive favorites over their in-state rivals.
North Carolina vs Duke Odds
The UNC vs Duke odds list the Blue Devils as 14-point home favorites and a hyper-short -1100 on the moneyline. The Tar Heels come back at +700 to win on the road. Odds as of Feb. 1 at Caesars. Claim the Caesars Sportsbook promo code to bet on UNC vs Duke today.
The game total is sitting at 148.5 with -110 odds both ways. The Tar Heels are 10-12 over/under this season while the Blue Devils and their stingy defense are 8-12 O/U. Duke rates third in the nation in overall efficiency and defensive efficiency at KenPom, along with fifth on offense. The Tar Heels are 39th overall, 48th on offense and 47th on defense.
UNC lost its third game in its last four on Tuesday, falling 73-65 at Pitt as 3.5-point road underdogs. The Heels led by as many as eight in the first half and by four with just over five minutes to play before the Panthers closed the game on a 14-2 run. Senior guard RJ Davis (17.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.0 APG) had a team-high 16 points in a losing effort.
The Blue Devils overcame a slow start last time out against another in-state rival, NC State. After falling behind 35-22 late in the first half, Duke went on a 23-2 run to take a lead it wouldn’t surrender. Cooper Flagg (19.9 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 4.1 APG) scored 23 of his game-high 28 points in the second half. He’s now a short -500 betting favorite in the Wooden Award odds for national player of the year.
Fellow freshman Kon Knueppel (13.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.6 APG) added 19 points, six rebounds, and three steels.
UNC vs DUKE Player Props
UNC vs Duke player props from FanDuel on Feb. 1. See SBD’s list of the best sports betting apps.
Flagg leads the point totals on Saturday with a massive 23.5 over/under. Davis has the highest total on the UNC side at 16.5, one higher than teammate Ian Jackson (14.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG).
Flagg also has the highest rebound total on the board at 7.5.
North Carolina vs Duke Prediction
The Tar Heels have failed dreadfully to live up to expectations all season. They started the year as the #15 team at KenPom and are at risk of falling out of the top-40 with another loss on Saturday.
But very few of their nine losses have been uncompetitive. The last three have all been single-digit margins and come by a total of ten points.
Each of the last four games between UNC and Duke have been decided by nine points or fewer. NC State raised its game against Duke in an in-state rivalry on Tuesday, and I expect the same from North Carolina in what’s quickly turning into a lost season.
Picks:
- North Carolina +14 (-110)
- Flagg under 23.5 points (-110)
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The highly anticipated matchup between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils is set to take place on February 1st, and fans and bettors alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this intense rivalry game. Both teams are coming off strong performances in their previous games, with North Carolina currently ranked 12th in the nation and Duke ranked 3rd.
When it comes to the odds for this game, Duke is currently favored to win with a spread of -4.5 points. The over/under for total points scored in the game is set at 152.5 points. This indicates that oddsmakers are expecting a high-scoring affair between these two powerhouse teams.
In terms of predictions, it’s always difficult to predict the outcome of a rivalry game like this one. Both teams have talented rosters and experienced coaches, making it anyone’s game. However, Duke has been playing exceptionally well as of late, with star player Zion Williamson leading the charge. North Carolina will need to bring their A-game if they hope to come out on top in this matchup.
As for player props to keep an eye on, Zion Williamson is a player to watch in this game. The freshman phenom has been dominating the court all season long and is a threat on both ends of the floor. Look for him to have a big impact on the game and potentially put up some impressive numbers.
On the North Carolina side, players like Cameron Johnson and Luke Maye will be key players to watch. Both players have been consistent contributors for the Tar Heels this season and will need to step up in a big way if North Carolina hopes to pull off the upset.
Overall, this North Carolina vs Duke game is shaping up to be an exciting and closely contested matchup. With high stakes and bragging rights on the line, both teams will be giving it their all on the court. Fans and bettors alike should buckle up and get ready for what promises to be a thrilling game of college basketball.