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Duke vs. North Carolina Prediction and Odds (Predicting Coach K's Final Home Game as Head Coach)

By Matt De Saro

Feb 19, 2022; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils associate head coach Jon Scheyer (right)
Feb 19, 2022; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils associate head coach Jon Scheyer (right) / Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Cameron Indoor Stadium won’t be the same after tonight with the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils playing their final home game with coach Mike Krzyzewski at the helm. For the last 42 seasons, the living legend has led this team and tonight would be a great way to cap off his final regular season with this program. It seems fitting that their opponent tonight is their long-time rivals, the North Carolina Tar Heels. Unfortunately, UNC has fallen on hard times and is not the powerhouse it once was. Hence the 11.5 spread for this battle. Still, this is a big game that Duke can’t just overlook as they prepare for March Madness. Here are the odds for this historic matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

UNC vs. Duke Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • UNC +11.5 (-110)
  • Duke -11.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • UNC +525
  • Duke -600

Total: 152.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

UNC vs. Duke Prediction and Pick

While it is lame that UNC isn’t on the level they once were, that doesn’t mean this game will be a disappointment. The Blue Devils are not only overwhelming favorites, but are also seeing a ton of public money come in due to the narrative surrounding this game. I’m actually surprised the spread hasn’t jumped to 12.5 as we near tip-off. But I don’t think that UNC is just going to roll over and show Duke its belly. They have been playing much better over the last couple of weeks and would love to spoil the biggest night Duke has had in a while. To do this they will need to step up their defense and score efficiently against the 46th ranked defense in the nation. The scoring side of things is very doable considering that UNC has the 19th best scoring offense in the country. However, with the 249th ranked scoring defense, stopping Duke is another matter altogether. Duke is averaging over 80 points per game and is fourth in average score margin at +15.3. But still, this spread worries me. I do, however, feel confident that both of these teams are going to try and shoot the lights out tonight. With the talent both teams have on offense, we could be in for a high-scoring affair. AT 152.5, I think the total is very beatable and I expect a game in the 158-160 range from these two teams.  

Pick: OVER 152.5 (-110)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE