The storied rivalry adds another chapter as the No. 7 Duke Blue Devils (16-4) visit the No. 3 North Carolina Tar Heels (17-4) in a highly anticipated ACC showdown. With both teams looking to solidify their conference standings, this matchup at the Dean Smith Center is set to be a classic. Below, we’ll run through our Duke at North Carolina predictions and game preview.
Duke at North Carolina Odds
- Moneyline: Duke +152 (Ceasars) / North Carolina -175 (BetRivers)
- Spread: UNC -4.5 (Ceasars)
- Total: 150.5 / Over -112 (BetRivers) / Under -112 (BetRivers)
Game Info
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 03
- Time: 06:30 PM ET
- Location: Dean Smith Center – Chapel Hill, NC
- TV: ESPN
Duke Blue Devils Betting Trends
- On the road, Duke Blue Devils are 4 and 2 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Duke Blue Devils are 10 and 10.
- Against the spread on the road, Duke Blue Devils are 2 and 4.
North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Trends
- At home, North Carolina Tar Heels are 9 and 0 this season.
- Against the spread this season, North Carolina Tar Heels are 13 and 8.
- Against the spread at home, North Carolina Tar Heels are 5 and 4.
Duke at North Carolina Predictions
The Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels are set to renew their historic rivalry, with both teams coming into the game with strong records and high stakes for ACC supremacy. Duke boasts a potent offense, ranking 33rd in field goal percentage (48.2%) and 44th in three-point percentage (38.7%). Freshman sensation Kyle Filipowski leads the team, averaging 17.5 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. The Blue Devils’ recent performances have been marked by their ability to share the ball, as evidenced by their 16.0 assists per game, which ranks 51st in the nation.
North Carolina, riding a five-game winning streak, has been equally impressive, especially at home where they are undefeated this season. The Tar Heels’ offense is a force to be reckoned with, averaging 82.6 points per game (27th nationally) and shooting 35.2% from beyond the arc. Guard RJ Davis, averaging 21.5 points per game, and forward Armando Bacot, with 9.9 rebounds per game, have been instrumental in UNC’s success. Their defense has also been solid, allowing opponents to score 70 points only once during their last 10 games.
The key matchup to watch will be between Duke’s Filipowski and UNC’s Bacot in the paint. Both big men can dominate the game on both ends of the floor, and their battle down low will be critical to their team’s success. Additionally, the backcourt duel between Duke’s Tyrese Proctor and UNC’s Davis could sway the game’s momentum. With both teams showcasing depth and talent, this rivalry game could come down to which group of stars aligns on the night to lead their team to victory.
Duke at North Carolina Picks
The North Carolina Tar Heels have shown a level of dominance at home that cannot be overlooked, boasting an undefeated record at the Dean Smith Center this season.
Their offensive firepower, led by RJ Davis, has been consistently putting up high numbers, and their defense has proven to be resilient, especially in recent games. With the game being played in Chapel Hill, the home-court advantage and the momentum from their current five-game winning streak give the Tar Heels the edge. Furthermore, their ability to perform under pressure in close games, as indicated by their 9-1 conference record, suggests they are well-prepared for the intensity of this rivalry matchup.
While Duke’s offense is not to be underestimated, the Blue Devils have shown some vulnerability on the road with a 4-2 record, and their ATS record suggests inconsistency in covering the spread. The Tar Heels’ strong ATS performance at home, combined with their overall higher win percentage, makes them the safer bet.
Additionally, the historical significance of this rivalry often leads to games where experience and composure are key, and North Carolina’s veteran presence, including the likes of Armando Bacot, could prove to be the deciding factor in a high-stakes game like this one.
The Pick: North Carolina Tar Heels -175 (BetRivers)