The second-ranked Duke Blue Devils (14-1, 4-0 ACC) and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-6, 1-3 ACC) clash at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils look to lengthen their eight-game winning streak. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 11, 2020, and can be seen on ACC Network.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Duke Blue Devils ATS Odds
In their last game, the Blue Devils were victorious over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 73-64, while the Demon Deacons fell to the 10th-ranked Florida State Seminoles, 78-68.
Duke played a nearly flawless game. They had a great effective field goal percentage of 0.574 (above their season average of 0.538) and a turnover percentage of 18.1 (worse than their season average of 15.7). For those same stats, Georgia Tech put up marks of 0.398 and 19.4, respectively. Wake Forest, on the other hand, did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (24-32; 75.0 percent). Duke rallied around Tre Jones, who put up 16 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Meanwhile, Brandon Childress fueled Wake Forest with 20 points and five assists.
The Blue Devils dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the most recent contest, Duke won 71-70. Duke had a much better free throw rate (0.276 vs. 0.099). Wake Forest, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (10.6 vs. 17.8). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Duke figures to have a substantial advantage. The Blue Devils defense ranks 38th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.447), while the Wake Forest offense is ranked 276th in effective field goal percentage (0.479). Moreover, the Demon Deacons, who rank first in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.329), will face a difficult test against the Blue Devils, who rank 59th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.173).
Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Duke Blue Devils Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Duke, ATS Winner – Wake Forest, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Duke ranks 22nd in steals per game (9.2) while Wake Forest ranks 198th (5.2).
- The Blue Devils rank 20th in assists per game (16.7) while the Demon Deacons rank 134th (13.1).
- Duke ranks eighth in three pointers allowed per game (15.9) while Wake Forest ranks 70th (20.0).
- The Blue Devils average 6.6 blocks per game, which ranks fifth in the nation. The Demon Deacons rank 128th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- Duke ranks 21st in rebounds per game (41.0) while Wake Forest ranks 135th in rebounds allowed per game (35.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Demon Deacons have been outscored by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Wake Forest has defeated opponents by an average of 1.1 points.
- During their last five games, the Blue Devils have scored an average of 83.4 points per game (matching their season average) and allowed an average of 56.4 points per game (6.1 below their season average).
