Virginia vs Duke Odds
| Virginia Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+9.5 -110 | 124.5 -110o / -110u | +390 |
| Duke Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-9.5 -110 | 124.5 -110o / -110u | -550 |
Duke predictably came out with a fiery effort Wednesday evening when it defeated Louisville by a large margin. Forward Kyle Filipowski did not miss time after the court storming incident and looked healthy all evening long.
The Blue Devils now welcome the Virginia Cavaliers into Durham on Saturday. The Cavaliers are 12-6 in ACC play, but many metrics suggest they have struggled offensively all season.
The court-storming incident might be the best thing to happen to Duke, as it can use it as motivation for the rest of the season.
Let's take a look at the Virginia vs. Duke odds and make a prediction in our NCAAB betting guide for Saturday's ACC clash.
Virginia Cavaliers
Despite the Cavaliers being one of the luckiest offensive teams in the country this year, they rank just 179th in adjusted offensive efficiency.
To further prove their offensive struggles, they are ranked 200th in effective field goal percentage and 350th in free-throw percentage, shooting only 65% from the line as a team. They also struggle to grab offensive rebounds, which results in fewer second opportunities.
Although Virginia boasts a low turnover percentage, its offense can be anemic at times. Additionally, the Cavaliers are ranked 307th in 3-point attempts per game despite shooting 37% from beyond the arc.
Reece Beekman and Ryan Dunn were projected to be potential NBA lottery picks, but they have not lived up to that hype and have been subpar offensively.
It seems unlikely that the Cavaliers will generate much offense against Duke, which has an excellent defense. However, Tony Bennett's team always performs well defensively. Virginia ranks 10th in adjusted defensive efficiency and 14th in effective field goal percentage allowed. Although they are good at guarding inside, the Cavaliers may struggle against Duke's 3-point shooting prowess.
Overall, this matchup is not favorable for Virginia. It will likely struggle on the road.
Want to learn about the best North Carolina sports betting apps before betting launches in the state on March 11? Find out more.
Duke Blue Devils
After venting their frustrations in a win against Louisville on Wednesday, the Blue Devils now face a struggling Virginia team with a weak offense.
The Blue Devils rank in the top 25 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. They certainly have the potential to make a deep run in March.
This matchup favors the Blue Devils considering their offense should be able to penetrate Virginia's tough defense. Expect Jeremy Roach and Jared McCain to continue their impressive 3-point shooting, especially since the Cavaliers' perimeter defense is due for negative regression.
Although Virginia has been suffocating on the inside, Duke's interior scoring has also been great. On the defensive end, the Blue Devils are expected to dominate. There are no concerns about them stopping Virginia's offense, especially since Duke's perimeter defense has been excellent all year.
This is a golden opportunity for the Blue Devils to win big at home, and it would be surprising to see anything else.
Virginia vs Duke
Betting Prediction, Pick
I'd be floored if Virginia went into Cameron Indoor Stadium and came out with a victory. I realize the Blue Devils are coming off a massive win, but that is not stopping me from backing them at home here.
The fact that Virginia has a 12-6 conference record is outrageous, and the regression monster is hanging over its shoulders as we speak. The Blue Devils have way too many advantages on both sides of the floor, and I am not afraid of the daunting defense at all.
This could get ugly early, and I would not be surprised if Duke hung a crooked number at home.
Pick: Duke -8.5 (Play to -10)
