Duke (27-3) at North Carolina (20-11)
- When: Mar 8 2025, 6:30 PM
- Where: Dean E. Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
Duke vs. North Carolina Betting Preview
Spread: Duke -10.0 | Total: 157.0
The legendary Duke-North Carolina rivalry takes center stage once again, this time in Chapel Hill as the No. 2 Blue Devils visit the streaking Tar Heels for their final regular-season showdown. Both teams are riding hot streaks, and while Duke is looking to solidify its standing as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, North Carolina is still fighting to cement its place in March Madness.
Duke Blue Devils: Dominating and Eyeing the No. 1 Spot
Duke (27-3, 18-1 ACC) has been on an absolute tear, winning seven straight games, including their last four by 30+ points. The Blue Devils dismantled Wake Forest 93-60 on Monday, drilling a season-high 15 three-pointers and showcasing their offensive firepower.
Freshman phenom Cooper Flagg has lived up to the hype, leading a team that has consistently overwhelmed opponents. He and fellow freshman Kon Knueppel combined for 43 points in Duke’s 87-70 rout of North Carolina in their first meeting back on Feb. 1. That game was never close, with the Blue Devils leading by as many as 32 points.
Despite their dominance, Duke still has something to prove. With No. 1 Auburn suffering a loss this week, a strong performance here could push Duke to the top of the national rankings. However, an upset loss, combined with wins by Clemson and Louisville, could knock them down to the No. 3 seed in the ACC Tournament—a scenario they’ll want to avoid.
Key Betting Trends for Duke:
- Duke is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games.
- The Blue Devils have won by 30+ points in 4 straight games.
- Duke covered as a 12.5-point favorite against UNC in their last meeting.
Prediction for Duke:
The Blue Devils have been dominant on both ends of the floor and have already proven they can dismantle UNC. If they continue their offensive efficiency, another double-digit win is on the table.
North Carolina Tar Heels: Desperate for a Signature Win
North Carolina (20-11, 13-6 ACC) has finally found its rhythm, winning six straight games to boost its tournament resume. However, the Tar Heels are still in need of a statement victory to fully secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament.
UNC made history on Tuesday, blowing out Virginia Tech 91-59, while also accomplishing something no other Tar Heels team has done before—four straight games with five double-digit scorers. The balanced attack has been key to their resurgence, and they’ll need that same offensive effort to keep pace with Duke’s firepower.
Senior RJ Davis is playing in his record-setting 170th career game, and he knows how crucial this matchup is. He and Drake Powell struggled in the first meeting, combining for just 24 points, but the Tar Heels have played with more confidence since then. Davis emphasized that their preparation and mentality have changed since the last matchup, expecting a different outcome this time around.
UNC’s defense will need to step up, as their lackluster effort in the previous game allowed Duke to shoot nearly 55% from the field.
Key Betting Trends for North Carolina:
- UNC is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games.
- The Tar Heels have gone Over in 6 of their last 8 games.
- UNC has allowed 70+ points in 5 straight matchups.
Prediction for North Carolina:
The Tar Heels are riding high on momentum, but they haven’t faced an opponent like Duke during this win streak. Their defense remains a concern, and they will need to keep this game within reach early to have a chance at an upset.
Final Prediction & Best Bets
Duke has been steamrolling opponents, and their 17-point win over UNC last month speaks volumes. While the Tar Heels have improved, the Blue Devils remain the more complete and dominant team on both ends of the court.
Best Bet: Duke -10.0
The Blue Devils have been covering big numbers with ease and should take care of business again.
Lean Over 157.0
Both teams have been scoring at a high level, and with UNC needing to keep up, a fast-paced game seems likely.
Expect Duke to assert their dominance once again as they aim to lock up a No. 1 seed in the tournament.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
