No. 1 Duke vs. NC State predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for March 2

The nation’s top-ranked team makes the short trip from Durham to Raleigh Monday night as the Duke Blue Devils (27-2, 15-1) take the court against the Wolfpack of NC State (19-10, 10-6 ACC).

After dominating the Virginia Cavaliers, 77-51, over the weekend, the Blue Devils will secure the outright ACC regular-season championship with a win over NC State. For their part, the Wolfpack’s hopes of finishing Top 4 in the conference took more than likely a fatal blow Saturday when they lost in overtime in South Bend, 96-90, to a Notre Dame team that did not lead in the game until the extra session.

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The matchup features a clash of high-powered individual talents and contrasting team strengths. Duke is led by freshman sensation Cameron Boozer, who is averaging 22.5 points per game and has scored at least 14 points in every game this season. NC State counters with Ven-Allen Lubin, who has been on a tear, averaging 15.3 points and 8.1 rebounds while shooting nearly 70% over his last ten games. The Wolfpack’s ability to challenge Duke’s elite defense—which allows just 62.5 points per game—will likely hinge on their three-point shooting, as they average 10.5 makes from deep per game.

Injuries and depth could play a decisive role in this Tobacco Road tussle. NC State may be short-handed in the paint after 6-foot-10 reserve Musa Sagnia suffered an ankle injury against Notre Dame, potentially leaving the Pack even more vulnerable against Duke’s interior strength.

Duke has a record of 11-2 in Q1 games and is 6-0 in Q2. NC State is 4-6 in Q1 and 7-2 in Quad 2 games. The Blue Devils are ranked No. 1 in KenPom and No. 1 in the NET. NC State is ranked No. 31 in KenPom and 29th in the NET.

Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.

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We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy…

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Publish date : 2026-03-02 04:08:00

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