The No. 3 Duke Blue Devils (15-1, 5-0 ACC) will try to extend their nine-game winning streak against the Clemson Tigers (8-7, 2-3 ACC) at Littlejohn Coliseum. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Duke Blue Devils vs. Clemson Tigers Free Prediction
In the Blue Devils’ last outing, they dismantled the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 90-59. The Blue Devils forced 17 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.621 (above their season average of 0.540). Duke was led by Tre Jones, who was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 10-for-15 shooting.
The Tigers edged the North Carolina Tar Heels in their last matchup, 79-76. Clemson had a better effective field goal percentage (0.522 vs. 0.470). North Carolina, meanwhile, did a terrific job of making free throws (14-20; 70.0 percent). Aamir Simms led Clemson in scoring with 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the field.
After the Blue Devils won the sole contest against the Tigers last season, 87-68, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Blue Devils made 16 of their 21 free throws (76.2 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (13.6 vs. 20.9).
Clemson might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they square off against one of the country’s best defenses. Duke currently ranks 10th in defensive efficiency, while the Tigers rank 226th in offensive efficiency. Contrasting tempos will be on display in this contest. The fast-breaking Blue Devils rank 55th in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Tigers rank 253rd.
Duke vs. Clemson Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Duke, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Duke ranks seventh in three pointers allowed per game (15.8) while Clemson ranks 231st (24.8).
The Blue Devils rank 21st in rebounds per game (40.9) while the Tigers rank 194th (34.3).
Duke ranks fourth in blocks per game (6.7) while Clemson ranks 169th (2.3).
The Blue Devils rank 11th in assists per game (16.9) while the Tigers rank 146th (13.1).
Duke averages 9.3 steals per game, which ranks 19th in the nation. Clemson ranks 108th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
The Blue Devils’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 27.4, up from 21.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (0.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.4 points per game (1.3 below their season average).
