The Clemson Tigers and Duke Blue Devils meet Friday in the college basketball ACC Semifinal at the Spectrum Center. Here’s a Duke vs. Clemson prediction. This article will include a Duke vs. Clemson pick.
Clemson Tigers Betting Preview
The Clemson Tigers beat North Carolina and Wake Forest. Clemson has won 4 of its last 5 games.
The Clemson Tigers are averaging 74.5 points on 45.8 percent shooting and allowing 66.3 points on 41.5 percent shooting. RJ Godfrey is averaging 11.7 points and 1.6 assists, while Carter Welling is averaging 10.2 points and 5.4 rebounds. Jestin Porter is dishing 1.3 assists and Nick Davidson is grabbing 3.8 rebounds. The Clemson Tigers are shooting 34.1 percent from beyond the arc and 72.6 percent from the free throw line. The Clemson Tigers are allowing 31.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 31.6 rebounds per game.
Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview
The Duke Blue Devils beat North Carolina and Florida State. Duke has won 9 straight games.
The Duke Blue Devils are averaging 83 points on 49.6 percent shooting and allowing 62.5 points on 38.9 percent shooting. Cameron Boozer is averaging 22.7 points and 10.2 rebounds, while Isaiah Evans is averaging 14.5 points and 2.8 rebounds. Patrick Ngongba II is the third double-digit scorer and Caleb Foster is grabbing 3.6 rebounds. The Duke Blue Devils are shooting 35.3 percent from beyond the arc and 72.3 percent from the free throw line. The Duke Blue Devils are allowing 30.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 37.3 rebounds per game.
Why the Duke Blue Devils will win
- Duke has won each of its last 31 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Clemson has lost three of its last four games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Duke has won the first half in 20 of its last 21 night games as a top-5 AP-ranked team.
Why the Clemson Tigers will win
- Clemson has won each of its last four night games against Top 5 AP-ranked opponents.
- Clemson has won the first half in each of its last five games played at neutral venues.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Duke’s last nine games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue has produced a total of 135+ points.
- Each of Clemson’s last seven night games against Top 5 AP-ranked opponents has produced a total of 136+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Duke ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+20.5).
- Duke ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (93.5).
- Clemson ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for opponent assists per game this season (10.5).
- Clemson ranks 17th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goals made per game this season (22.6).
Duke vs Clemson Prediction
It’s going to be interesting to see how both teams respond, as you can argue both teams are a bit lucky to still be in this tournament. Duke is obviously the more talented team and already rocked Clemson once this season. However, we cashed on Clemson yesterday as an underdog and I’m going back to the well. Clemson is a physical team that defends, and it’s been hitting its open looks in this tournament.
Clemson has a bit of a pep in its step and that confidence could be intimidating for a young Duke team that was on the ropes last night. This is a lot of points and a bit disrespectful toward the Tigers. Give me Clemson.