Top Duke vs. North Carolina Betting Tips for Feb. 3 Showdown

Exciting Times in College Basketball – The Greatest Rivalry Returns

Our favorite season of the year is back! The biggest rivalry in college basketball, Duke vs North Carolina, is back in full swing with both teams in top form. This is going to be an exciting event.

Highly Ranked Teams Face Off

No. 7 Duke, having a current record of 16-4 and 7-2 in the ACC, is all set to play against No. 3 North Carolina, holding a record of 17-4 and 9-1 in the ACC. They are meeting at the Dean E. Smith Center this Saturday night. This marks a historic event as both teams are ranked in the top 10 nationally since 2019, and this is the 49th time this is happening in their matchups.

Teams’ Current Performances and Stakes

The Blue Devils are on a winning streak with three consecutive victories, while the Tar Heels have an unbeaten track at home (9-0) this season. The winner of this game will not only lead in the conference but also carry the momentum to clinch the ACC championship.

Last year, Duke won both games against North Carolina. This time, North Carolina aims to hand Jon Scheyer, Duke’s head coach, his first defeat in this blue battle. FanDuel Sportsbook predicts the Tar Heels as a 4.5-point favorite against Duke.

Key Players to Watch

Making a prediction is always a challenge when these two titans clash on the court. With immense talent on both sides capable of changing the game dynamics, Kyle Filipowski from Duke and the powerful duo of Armando Bacot and R.J. Davis from North Carolina are the expected game-changers.

Last season, Filipowski dominated the game at Smith Center with 22 points and 13 rebounds. He is now a more polished offensive player. If Filipowksi avoids foul trouble, he will pose a great challenge for the opposition.

Teams’ Shooting Capabilities

Duke is leading this season in the ACC for volume and accuracy of shooting. With several players capable of scoring from outside, Duke clearly outshines North Carolina’s middle-pack shooting performance.

The Blue Devils, with Jeremy Roach and Tyrese Proctor, have a better chance at slowing down Davis, providing them an edge to keep the game close. Therefore, betting on Duke +4.5 seems a wise choice.

Defensive Strategies and Betting Options

Eight out of the last nine games of North Carolina have resulted in an under. As a primarily defensive team this season, they may slow the pace and turn the game into a defensive battle. Last season, their two matchups saw a total score of 120 and 119 points. Therefore, betting on the under is a good option for those hesitant to pick a side.

Betting Picks: Duke +4.5, Under 151.5

Note: The odds are refreshed periodically and are subject to change.