Grab The Points Against Duke

Duke vs. Wake Forest, 2:00 ET

Watching college reminds me while I love basketball so much. Think about it, 90% or more of the players that you watch for a few years will never be heard from again. Maybe that makes betting on it stupid, because you're risking money on something that can't be controlled and aren't professionals. However, we've been profitable with college hoops and I expect that to continue through the end of the season. While there will be a few hiccups - and I've had one bad week - I am hopeful I can keep rolling today in a game between Duke and Wake Forest. 

Each season we see some teams that are on everyone's radar and then there are some that are below the radar but still really talented. Each season, we get people loving Duke and hyping them up to be one of the best teams in the country, and honestly, they are one of the better teams. However, I mentioned this in my last article, it seems like they may get a bit of a pass for some of their flaws. I still maintain that, even with them pleasantly surprising me and getting me a win in my last play on them. This will be a better test for them than I would've initially thought at the beginning of the year because Wake Forest is a very talented squad. This is the second time that Duke will face this team in the past three games. The last time they played, Duke was able to win at home and took that game 77-69. This is the third consecutive game that the Blue Devils will play on the road, which could be an issue. Duke has a lot of upper class experience and works through Jeremy Roach and Kyle Filipowski. I think both have a solid chance to shine in this game. In the first game against Wake, it was actually Mark Mitchell leading the way, but Filipowski wasn't that far behind. I expect them to once again be the focal point of the plan for Duke. 

Virginia Tech Hokies guard MJ Collins shoots over Duke Blue Devils C Kyle Filipowski at Cassell Coliseum. (Brian Bishop-USA TODAY Sports)

(Bishop-USA TODAY Sports)

Wake Forest has a nice record overall at 17-9, but that has had a bit of a struggle in the ACC with just a 9-6 record. Over the past six games, they are 4-2 overall and remained competitive in both of their losses. One was the aforementioned loss to Duke, but the other was a loss to Virginia where they were on the road and lost 49-47. Their most recent game was a commanding victory, a game where they finally returned home. Against Pittsburgh, they were able to win by 33 points. That has to establish a bit of confidence in their game and make them ready for this matchup, another one at home. In order to make this game different than the last one, the team will have to crash the boards and find a way to battle down low. Duke has the advantage over Wake Forest down low and if they get multiple offensive rebounds and putbacks, this game will get out of hand quickly for Wake Forest. They may actually have the edge in the backcourt now that they are on their home floor. Their three main guards are all shooting roughly 34% or higher from deep and that should come true on their home court. 

Overall, I think the Blue Devils might lose this game. I'm going to take Wake Forest with the points as I think they are at least competitive and will look to try and battle against Duke. The biggest concern I have was referenced earlier with rebounding, but a lot of that can come from energy. With them at home, there should be more energy for Wake Forest. I'll take them in this one to cover the spread. 

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