Simulation Picks
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Expert Picks
The emergence of Dereck Lively is game-changer for Duke at a crucial point in the year. The 7-1 freshman was the best player on the court in the Blue Devils' win against UNC and he only had 4 points. That's because what he means to this team in terms of rim protection is a massive upgrade, and this is a Duke team that already felt confident in its ability to defend. Duke has defensively slowed down almost all of its conference competition from their season averages, and I think we see that here again against the Canes. The first game, back on Jan. 21, finished at 134 and so anything under 140 or 142 seems like a good play for the under.
The Hurricanes should be happy to be at home for the next week after playing four of their last five games on the road. The Hurricanes went 4-1 ATS in those five games including a two-point loss as six-point underdogs at Duke. The Hurricanes are 12-0 at home this season. The Blue Devils struggle on the road at just 2-4 SU and 1-5 ATS. They are also just 2-7 ATS in their last nine games overall. The Hurricanes looked really tough in their first meeting with the Blue Devils and should be able to win and cover this spread on their own court. Lay the points.
Miami lost the first match-up at Duke by two points. The Blue Devils come off the big rivalry game against UNC and now plays the Hurricanes who want their own revenge. At home, Miami is shooting 37.8 percent beyond the arc and 57.2 percent from the floor. The Hurricanes defense is much better at home and they’re shooting 78 percent from the free-throw over their last three games. Duke shoots 27.6 percent beyond the arc and 70 percent from the free-throw line on the road. I’m on Miami.
The Duke Blue Devils have pulled off wins in four of their past five, with three close calls. Wins over Wake Forest and Miami were by a mere two points, and they defeated UNC on Saturday in what was a tied game with 2 minutes to go. Their prior win over Miami and a quick turnaround from Saturday to Monday should make this game another close grudge match. Take the points with Duke.
Not many Miami games sell out but this will with the Dukies in town (it's a White Out), and it feels like Letdown City for the Blue Devils about 48 hours after beating rival North Carolina on Saturday. The Blue Devils are 2-4 in road games (1-5 ATS) and Miami 12-0 at home. The Canes also nearly won in Durham earlier this season. With less than a minute remaining, UM missed three shots on one possession with a chance to tie or go ahead. Duke freshman Dariq Whitehead had 10 points, three rebounds and two assists in that one but is out injured currently.
Team Injuries

