Syracuse Orange vs Duke Blue Devils Predictions, Picks, Odds and NCAA Basketball Betting Preview – February 24, 2018

The No. 5 Duke Blue Devils have been shaky of late, but they’re still Duke, a team that can’t be taken lightly even though they are shorthanded. The Syracuse Orange surely are not going to underestimate Duke, when swing by Durham this Saturday. Register to bet and wager with your pick.

Betting Preview for the Syracuse Orange vs Duke Blue Devils College Basketball Game on February 24, 2018

Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium

When: Saturday, February 24, 6:00PM EST

Line: Syracuse Orange () vs Duke Blue Devils () –view all NCAA Basketball lines

TV Broadcast:

Betting on the Syracuse Orange (18-9)

Syracuse is being led by Tyus Battle, the sophomore guard who is averaging 19.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. Battle is shooting only 42.2 percent from the field, but Syracuse is not really known for its efficiency on offense, but rather by the Orange’s tight defense that allows just 63.4 points per game. Battle and the Orange can’t keep up with the firepower of Duke if they’ll just opt to trade blows, but Syracuse is not going to go that way of course. It will help the Orange keep in step with Duke if would be able to limit their turnovers. Duke does have an underrated defense because it is being massively overshadowed by its offense, so the Orange will have to be careful on the attack. Cleaning the glass is also a top priority for Jim Boeheim’s boys. Syracuse is 46th nationally with 38.0 boards per game, and if Duke’s rookie sensation Marvin Bagley III would not be able to suit up for the Blue Devils, that will surely be an immense break for Syracuse.

The Orange is 2-0 SU and ATS in their last two meetings with Duke.

Betting on the Duke Blue Devils (22-5)

With or without Marvin Bagley III, the Blue Devils are going to be a handful for any opponent. For one, Duke has a deep roster that features four players outside of Bagley who average at least 11.1 points per game. Grayson Allen and Gary Trent Jr. are both averaging 15.1 points per game, while Wendell Carter Jr. is putting up 14.4 points. As a team, Duke is averaging 87.4 points per game on an incredible clip pf 50.1 field goal shooting percentage. The Blue Devils play fast, as they are making 62.8 field goal attempts per game, and they are feeding off their terrific rebounding. They are averaging 42.0 rebounds per contest, second best in the nation. Bagley (11.4 RPG) is a big reason why they are siphoning that many rebounds, but Carter is capable of holding the fort, as he is hauling down 9.6 boards per contest.

Duke is 2-1 SU and 1-1-1 ATS in its last three games as the home team against Syracuse.

Writer’s Prediction:

Duke wins, 74-72.

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