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The Duke Blue Devils already have two losses in ACC play, and can’t afford many more in the ultra-competitive conference. They shouldn’t have to worry about that on Saturday when they host the reeling Pittsburgh Panthers.
Duke’s only two losses of its season have come recently against Boston College and North Carolina State. The Blue Devils have bounced back to win three straight and are still ranked among the best teams in the country.
The Panthers are winless in conference and have little chance at making a postseason tournament unless they really turn it around down the stretch. Pittsburgh will have to play out of its mind to even remain close in this contest as Duke has a huge talent advantage.
This war on the floor will go down Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 4 p.m. ET at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
We'll have NCAA basketball odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the college basketball Saturday schedule.
Odds Analysis
Pitt is 8-11 straight up and 7-8 against the spread. The Panthers have covered in two of four attempts on the road this season. They are 5-6 against the spread as the underdog.
Duke is 16-2 straight up and 11-6 against the spread. The Blue Devils have covered in five of eight attempts at home this season. They are 10-6 against the spread as the favorite.
Injury Report
Pittsburgh senior forward Ryan Luther got some bad news this week as he was ruled out for the season with a stress reaction in his right foot. Luther was one of the team’s better players, averaging 12.7 points and a team-high 10.1 rebounds per contest.
He will apply for a medical hardship and hopes to return for next season but won’t be of any help in this one or the rest of the way. It is a big blow for Pittsburgh as it was already in a tough spot on the road against an elite team, and now one of its strongest contributors won’t be playing.
Pittsburgh is a very young team and may start five freshmen against Duke. Luther’s experience will also be missed as well as his talent.
Player To Watch
Marvin Bagley — Duke has talent everywhere but it’s impossible not to focus on the precocious freshman in the middle. Bagley reclassified or else he could still be a senior in high school this year.
Instead he is dominating against older players, averaging 22.0 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. He is expected to be one of the top three picks in the draft this year.
Bagley 16 points and 15 rebounds the first time these two teams met this season in an easy 87-52 win in Pittsburgh. He followed that up with a 30-point performance against Wake Forest.
The Panthers have a bunch of players they would like to slow down, but Bagley has to be the focus. If he gets going inside and sinks some easy shots, Pitt will have a hard time recovering.
Free NCAA Men’s Basketball ATS Picks
The first game between these teams was a laugher, and Duke hopes to cruise once again. Pitt may play a little better in this one, but it’s not going to be competitive. Take a look at the spread as it should be high. Duke is at home so it may need to really keep its foot on the gas pedal late in order to cover.
The Panthers are going to lose, but this game shouldn’t be as lopsided as the first. The “under” should be a consideration because Pitt might struggle to score in this one and Duke will slow it down late with a big lead.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Odds: Duke 81, Pittsburgh 63
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