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No. 2 Auburn Faces Critical Test at No. 9 Duke

Auburn and Duke will meet on the court at Cameron Indoor Stadium in the ACC-SEC Challenge.

(Photo by Getty Images) Cooper Flagg

Auburn (7-0) at Duke (5-2)

  • When: Dec 4 2024, 9:15 PM
  • Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, NC, USA
  • Where to watch: ESPN

Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total

Auburn (#2) @ Duke (#9)
Moneyline

Auburn (#2)   +120
Duke (#9)   -140

Auburn (#2) @ Duke (#9)
Point Spread

Auburn (#2)   2.5 (-110)
Duke (#9)   -2.5 (-110)

Auburn (#2) @ Duke (#9)
Total

Over   147.5 (-115)
Under   147.5 (-105)

Team Stats

Auburn   Duke
7-0 Record 5-2
0-0 Away & Home 4-0
6-1-0 ATS 4-3-0
4-3-0 O/U 2-5-0

Last Matchup:
DUKE 78-72, November 20th, 2018

Game Preview

The stakes are high as Auburn and Duke clash at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Wednesday night in a marquee ACC-SEC Challenge matchup. For bettors, this game offers a prime opportunity to evaluate two of the most battle-tested teams in college basketball early in the season.

Auburn’s Momentum

No. 2 Auburn (7-0) enters the game riding a wave of confidence after winning the Maui Invitational. The Tigers took down then-No. 4 Iowa State, No. 12 North Carolina, and Memphis in dominant fashion, solidifying their status as a national contender. Auburn’s veteran leadership, led by tournament MVP Johni Broome, has been key. Broome averaged 21.7 points, 15 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game during the Maui Invitational, showcasing his ability to dominate both ends of the floor.

Bruce Pearl’s squad has a balanced attack with Broome leading the way (20.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG), supported by Chad Baker-Mazara (12.6 PPG) and Denver Jones (11.1 PPG). The Tigers have covered the spread in five of their seven games this season and are looking to secure their first-ever win against Duke, having gone 0-3 historically against the Blue Devils.

Duke’s Challenges

No. 9 Duke (5-2) has faced stiff competition early, including games against ranked teams like Kentucky, Arizona, and Kansas. While the Blue Devils boast a solid 14-point win over Arizona, they’ve also shown vulnerabilities, falling to Kentucky and Kansas in tightly contested matchups. Duke rebounded last week with a 70-48 victory over Seattle, fueled by suffocating defense that held the Redhawks to 21.3% shooting.

Despite the win, head coach Jon Scheyer expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s execution, highlighting rushed shots and turnovers. This makes Wednesday’s game a critical litmus test for Duke as they look to refine their game against elite competition.

Key Players to Watch

Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg leads Duke in scoring (15.9 PPG) and rebounding (8.3 RPG), while fellow freshman Kon Knueppel contributes 13.4 PPG. Khaman Maluach, a 7’2″ big man, provides an interior presence that has bolstered Duke’s defense, averaging 8.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and two three-block games this season.

For Auburn, Broome’s dominance in the paint will be crucial, especially against Maluach and Duke’s frontcourt. Auburn’s ability to control the glass and maintain offensive efficiency will be vital in a hostile environment.

Betting Insights

– Spread Considerations: Auburn has been reliable against the spread (ATS), especially as underdogs in marquee matchups. Duke, meanwhile, has struggled to cover against high-level competition this season.

– Over/Under Trends: Auburn’s offensive output and Duke’s defensive prowess suggest a competitive game that could go either way on the total. Look for value in live betting based on the game flow.

– Moneyline Opportunity: Auburn’s recent form and veteran leadership make them an attractive moneyline play, particularly if the odds reflect them as underdogs.

The Pick

While Duke has the home-court advantage and a dynamic roster, Auburn’s momentum and proven ability to perform in big games make them a solid bet. With Broome anchoring the paint and Pearl’s team playing with confidence, back Auburn to cover the spread and consider the moneyline for added value.

Handicappers Picks – Join for Free

NCAA Basketball Parlay Picks & Predictions

Final Score: Auburn 76-73
Expert Pick: Auburn (+120) & Over 147½ (-115)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $411

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