Georgia Tech vs Duke Odds, Pick
| Georgia Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+17.5 -110 | 146.5 -110o / -110u | +1000 |
| Duke Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-17.5 -110 | 146.5 -110o / -110u | -2000 |
The Duke Blue Devils will look to exact revenge on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Saturday. Georgia Tech shocked Duke in a four-point win Dec. 2, but the two teams are trending in polar opposite directions since.
The Blue Devils haven't lost since that matchup, completely dominating opponents in the last month after the eye-opening loss against the Yellow Jackets.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Some ebbs and flows are inevitable when a new coach instills his hopeful culture into a struggling program. That's what coach Damon Stoudamire is dealing with at Georgia Tech after losing four consecutive games in convincing fashion. Not only is Stoudamire new, but a pair of freshmen — Baye Ndongo and Nait George — are two of the Yellow Jackets' most essential pieces.
George is a highly skilled, lengthy playmaker who excels at reading defenses while Ndongo seems to be Stoudamire's most gifted player. Ndongo is athletic, can shoot it and leads the team in blocks and steals per game. He's an absolute problem for ACC foes and posted 21 points and four blocks against Duke in their last matchup.
Defensive issues are the biggest culprit for Georgia Tech's current skid, with the Yellow Jackets allowing at least one point per possession in each game. In losses against mediocre Boston College and Florida State teams, Georgia Tech allowed 1.36 and 1.11 PPP, respectively. I'm no mathematician, but that isn't good.
The offense takes 3s on 39% of possessions but makes only 29% of shots from the outside. That's a major issue for a young team that can fall in love with the outside shot. Georgia Tech's shooting improvement hinges on leading scorer Miles Kelly finding consistency from deep. He's shooting below 30% from 3-point range this year, down from 37% a season ago.
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Duke Blue Devils
The loss against Georgia Tech was the best thing for Duke's long-term outlook. Tyrese Proctor got injured, which allowed Jared McCain to slide into the starting lineup. Duke probably doesn't pivot to McCain if Proctor stays healthy, and since returning, Proctor is coming off the bench and providing immense value in a sixth-man role.
Kyle Filipowski has developed into one of college basketball's best players in his sophomore year. The versatile 7-footer flashed dominance as a freshman, but the dominance is consistent now. Filipowski is averaging 17.4 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting 53% from the floor and 38% from downtown. And yet, the biggest improvement in his game has come on the defensive end.
McCain looks the part of a five-star recruit, averaging 12.1 points on 46% shooting and 43% from deep. Plus, Proctor is becoming a trustworthy change-of-pace bench guard.
The Blue Devils rank in the top 15 in offensive and defensive efficiency. There are no glaring weaknesses on this team — they rarely turn the ball over, defend at a high level and shoot it consistently from deep.
Georgia Tech vs. Duke
Betting Pick & Prediction
Laying close to 20 points is a tall ask in conference play, but Duke is playing like a top-five team. The Blue Devils have won all eight true home games by 20-plus points, so winning by that margin isn't unusual. I'm expecting a revenge onslaught from a hungry Duke team that's running like a well-oiled machine.
