Wake Forest (20-9) at Duke (26-3)
- When: Mar 3 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, NC, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
Duke vs. Wake Forest Betting Preview & Predictions
Duke is favored by 19.5 | Total: 145.0
Duke Blue Devils: Poised to Maintain ACC Dominance
The No. 2 Duke Blue Devils (26-3, 17-1 ACC) continue their march toward securing the ACC regular-season crown as they prepare to host Wake Forest (20-9, 12-6 ACC) in their home finale. Duke has been dealing with injuries, but the “next-man-up” mentality has kept them rolling.
Duke dominated Florida State 100-65 on Saturday despite losing freshman star Cooper Flagg early in the first half due to an eye injury. While Flagg returned for limited minutes, Duke’s depth proved to be a key asset, with freshman Isaiah Evans stepping up in his first career start and leading the team with 19 points.
Head coach Jon Scheyer praised his squad’s ability to adjust under adversity:
“Coop goes out in the first half, and it really was what our team is all about.”
With Tyrese Proctor (knee) still sidelined, Duke experimented with different rotations, including Kon Knueppel running point guard duties—and the results were impressive, as Duke didn’t commit a single turnover in the first half.
Even with their injuries, Duke continues to impose its will on opponents, winning seven straight games and remaining unbeaten at home this season. The Blue Devils have covered the spread in six of their last seven games and are 14-1 at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Key Stats & Trends for Duke:
Home Record: 14-1
Covering the Spread: 6-1 in last 7 games
Scoring Efficiency: Leads the ACC in FG percentage (48.2%)
Cooper Flagg’s Impact: Averaging 19.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.6 steals
Duke took down Wake Forest 63-56 in their first meeting on Jan. 25. Flagg dominated with 24 points, and Duke held Wake to just 37.5% shooting. Expect the Blue Devils to set the tone early at home, especially if Flagg is cleared to play significant minutes.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Searching for a Signature Win
Wake Forest pulled off a comeback win over Notre Dame (74-71) on Saturday, but they’ll need a massive performance to take down Duke on the road. The Demon Deacons have been inconsistent, but an upset here would significantly boost their NCAA Tournament resume.
The Demon Deacons’ offense is led by Cameron Hildreth and Hunter Sallis, who have been the team’s leading scorers in all but three games this season. Hildreth erupted for 28 points in their last win and has been Wake’s most reliable scoring option down the stretch.
Head coach Steve Forbes knows the challenge ahead:
“Cooper Flagg is tough to guard. He has all the tools. But he’s not alone—Duke has a deep team that makes them even more dangerous.”
While Wake has been solid offensively, their defensive struggles on the road have been costly. The Demon Deacons allow 72.8 points per game and have struggled to contain elite scoring teams.
Key Stats & Trends for Wake Forest:
Road Record: 4-6
Covering the Spread: 3-5 in last 8 road games
Defensive Concerns: Allowing 72.8 PPG in conference play
Scoring Leaders: Hildreth (16.2 PPG), Sallis (15.7 PPG)
Wake Forest rallied from a 13-point deficit in the second half against Duke in January before ultimately falling short. This time, they’ll need a near-perfect game to keep it close.
Betting Predictions & Best Bets
Spread Pick: Duke -19.5 – Duke has covered in six of their last seven games, while Wake Forest has struggled on the road.
Over/Under: Under 145.0 – Wake struggled offensively in the first meeting, and Duke’s defensive rotations will cause problems again.
Final Score Prediction: Duke 82, Wake Forest 58 – Expect the Blue Devils to control the game from start to finish and cover the spread.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
