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Clemson (20-5) vs Duke (22-2)
- When: Feb 14 2026, 12:00 PM
- Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, NC, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
(20) Clemson vs (4) Duke Preview & Prediction
Spread: Duke -12.5
Moneyline: Duke (-900)
Total: 133.0
Clemson Tigers Betting Breakdown
Clemson walks into Durham with first place implications and a chip on its shoulder. The Tigers had a four game surge rolling before Virginia Tech cooled them off, and now they get the ultimate response test against one of the best teams in the country.
On the road in conference play, Clemson has quietly been excellent. Undefeated away from home in ACC action, they have shown they can grind games down and control tempo in hostile environments. That matters when you are catching double digits.
The Tigers can defend the interior and are not afraid to go small with three guards if the matchup calls for it. When that lineup is humming, they create spacing and tempo shifts that frustrate opponents. Ace Buckner’s recent spark off the bench adds scoring punch, and if Dillon Hunter finds even modest rhythm after a quiet stretch, Clemson has enough balance to hang around.
The key from a betting perspective is Clemson’s ability to avoid extended scoring droughts. They do not need to win the track meet. They need to defend, rebound, and make this a half court battle. If they keep this game in the 60s, covering becomes very realistic.
Duke Blue Devils Betting Breakdown
Duke remains the class of the ACC and comes in off a steady bounce back win. Even when the offense stalls, the Blue Devils lean on defense and rebounding to control games. Cameron Boozer continues to dominate the glass and operate as the focal point inside, especially with injury questions surrounding their frontcourt depth.
Isaiah Evans provided the perimeter spark in the last outing, knocking down big shots when Duke needed separation. That is typically how Duke wins comfortably. They defend, then stretch the margin with timely shooting.
However, laying 12.5 against a disciplined road team is not automatic value. Duke can win methodically without always creating massive separation, particularly if the tempo slows.
Betting Outlook and Prediction
Duke has more talent and depth, and at home they should dictate most of the action. Clemson’s defensive structure and road toughness, though, suggest this is not a runaway.
Expect Duke to control the second half and secure the victory, but Clemson’s composure keeps it inside the number.
Final Score: Duke 70, Clemson 61
Lean: Clemson +12.5
Total: Under 133.0
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
