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While not official picks from Gambling911.com, we have plays from some of the top experts in the world of sports for this mega rivalry.
UNC +9 DUKE - PLACE YOUR BET HERE AND CLAIM UP TO $1000 FREE BONUS
USA Today (Scott Gleeson) - North Carolina THE REASON: Yes, Duke is the favorite for many reasons and R.J. Barrett is coming off a triple-double performance but UNC has the ingredients to stage an upset. North Carolina can score and that's half the reason they'll be in this game. And while much of the focus has been put on who can stop Barrett or Zion Williamson, not much has been said about UNC's interior strength (the 'Heels are one of the best rebounding teams in the nation) that complements its three-point marksmanship much better than Duke's.
Covers.com - North Carolina +9 - Everyone can’t wait to see Williamson and Barrett’s debut in this epic rivalry and it shouldn’t disappoint. Duke hasn’t lost since Jan. 14, in a home contest to Syracuse, while the Tar Heels have won eight of nine with the lone loss coming last week at home to Virginia. North Carolina is also a perfect 6-0 SU/ATS on the road in conference play.
We think the combination of playing at Cameron Indoor and Duke being too talented will be too much for North Carolina to overcome, but the number is just a little too big here. UNC shoots 38.6 percent from 3-point range, compared to just 31.3 percent for Duke. And not many have had more ATS success in Durham than Roy Williams, who is 10-5 ATS since he became UNC’s head coach, so he will have his team prepared.
Buy the hook and take the Tar Heels as soon as possible before Duke money comes flooding in before tipoff.
PREDICTION: UNC +9 (-106)
Bookmaker.eu Experts - North Carolina +9 -
Considering how good the programs have been over the years it isn’t surprising that the matchups have been close and fairly evenly divided. The teams have split the last eight meetings and only one of the past 12 was decided by more than 10 points. Offense has been the staple for both sides, but they can also play some defense. I expect this one to be a little lower scoring than most anticipate with Duke’s youthful enthusiasm and superior talent prevailing.
CBB Score Prediction: Duke 77, North Carolina 73
- Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com
