Duke vs. Wake Forest Prediction and Odds: Blue Devils Looking To Rebound Following Miami Loss

The No. 8 Duke Blue Devils are hot off the heels of their second loss of the season and will try to rebound on the road against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons tonight. Duke was stunned in their last game 76-74 by the unranked Miami Hurricanes in conference action. The Canes now lead the ACC while Duke and Wake Forest are tied for fifth. 

This has been a down year for the ACC and the conference is wide open for the taking right now. Miami won’t stick around atop the hill for long and I think Duke is the logical choice to take over as No. 1. Don’t be dissuaded by their gruesome loss to Miami. This is college basketball and upsets happen. They are still one of the toughest teams in the nation. 

This is a big game for Wake Forest and a win would put them in a position to make a run at the ACC title. The Decons have won two in a row and have yet to beat at home in 10 games this season. 

Here are the odds for this pivotal ACC matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Duke vs. Wake Forest Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• Duke -6 (-110)
• Wake Forest +6 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Duke -245
• Wake Forest +195

Total: 151.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Duke vs. Wake Forest Prediction and Pick

While Wake Forest is a dangerous team at home, I am not sure they have what it takes to beat a pissed-off Duke squad. The Blue Devils were already No. 1 in the nation this year and have the talent to regain that top spot. This is a good opportunity for them to shake off their recent loss and make up some ground in the ACC. The offense is led by Paolo Banchero who finished with 20 points in their loss to Miami. Banchero’s scoring outburst was not enough to secure the win mostly due to the 17 turnovers that Duke surrendered. This is not a problem Duke usually has and I am not worried that their ball security issues will continue. 

Overall, the Blue Devils are averaging 83 points per contest and shooting nearly 50% from the field. While they don’t rebound all that effectively, at 38 boards per game, they have out-rebounded opposing teams in most instances this year. On defense, the group holds opposing teams to 41 percent shooting and 91 average points per game. 

While Wake Forest is not a bad team, they have not played a team as good as Duke this year. Their only other game against a ranked team was a 13 point loss to the LSU Tigers in a game where the Demon Deacons turned the ball over more than 20 times. They also struggled to contain LSU’s offense which is not as good as what Duke brings to the table.

I think Duke gets back on track here by limiting their turnover and having a strong night on the defensive glass. Give me the Blue Devils to hand the Demon Deacons their first home loss of the season.

Pick: Duke -6 (-110)