The Duke Blue Devils will play the Clemson Tigers, as part of a rescheduled game due to COVID issues back in December. Thursday, February 9th, Duke vs Clemson will tip off as Clemson will try and upset #7 Duke. Duke was upset Monday by Virginia and have fallen to the #12 on the NET rankings. Furthermore, Clemson almost beat Duke on the road earlier this year 71 to 69. Before placing your bets, check the Best Basketball Betting Sites to ensure you’re making the most money out of the same odds.
The ACC had seven teams make March Madness last year, with two of those teams (Syracuse and Florida State) cracking the Sweet 16. This year neither Syracuse nor Florida State will make the tournament (unless they miraculously win the ACC tournament). Instead Duke is basically locked in with Wake Forest, North Carolina, & Virginia Tech all barely in contention at the moment. Notre Dame is the odd team looking out at the moment. Lastly, Miami, Clemson, & Virginia all still have a slim shot to make March Madness.
The ACC standings are clustered with Notre Dame technically in the lead. Both Duke and Wake Forest are in second with a half game back. Next, Miami and North Carolina are tied at a game back, followed by Virginia with a game and a half back. Clemson is in a three-way tie for tenth in the division at 4-8 and five and a half games back. Luckily, Clemson still has some fluff teams to play (Florida State, Georgia Tech, & Boston College), which will even them out. Duke should finish in first, and Clemson somewhere around six or seven in the middle of the pack.
Duke is 6-2 on the road with big wins against Gonzaga, Kentucky, & North Carolina. Their two losses were to Ohio State 71-66 and Florida State in Overtime by one. Duke looks like a top tier team. They are currently ranked at #12 in NET, and that seems to suit them, as they are not the powerhouse Coach K normally produces. Duke averages 80.2 points per game, yet only 65 points given up to opponents. They also average 39.2 rebounds per game and 5.6 blocks per game.
The Blue Devils looked like early season favorites with freshman Paolo Banchero marked as a potential John Wooden Candidate. Banchero is looking pretty solid out on the court with 17 points per game and eight and a half rebounds per game. On the road, Banchero keeps his team-leading average, but increases his rebounds per game to nine and a half. Banchero has six double doubles this season, and could easily get another against Clemson.
Duke looked like early season favorites. They have been humbled by teams like Miami, Florida State, & Virginia. Furthermore, it is unlikely that either three of those teams will make it in without a hot end of season. Banchero has had more off games than on games. In the last two weeks he has been averaging only 13.5 points per game (well below his 17.2) and only half a steal per game.
Clemson has big wins at home against Drake, South Carolina, & Florida State. Overall, they are not as good as their #7 seed in the tournament last year. They might not make the tournament, but they still have a chance. The fact they almost beat Duke in North Carolina (71-69), is a lot for this South Carolina team. Expect the Tigers to keep it close again this game.
Don’t just bet on Duke vs Clemson this week, it’s the Super Bowl. Take the Rams over the Bengals and read all about why with Playersbest’s Betting Guide. Enjoy all the guacamole, beer, and winnings this Sunday.

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.