NCAAB: Syracuse +17 @ Duke, Monday, 7 pm ESPN

Syracuse +17 @ 1 Duke 7 pm on ESPN
Pick: Syracuse +17

The Duke Blue Devils have been known for recruiting some of the best blue-chip players in the nation. Last year, it was freshman Marvin Bagley and Wendell Carter Sr. both drafted in the top ten of the NBA Draft. This year, the Blue Devils have two top five prospects at their disposal.

They have been riding a nine-game winning streak under coach Mike Krzyzewski. Freshmen R.J. Barrett and Zion Williamson lead the young lineup averaging over 20 PPG each and have been filling up the stat sheet in multiple offensive categories. The Blue Devils have been good on defense but they’re terrific on offense, averaging just over 90 PPG.

The Syracuse Orange have had their ups and downs this season. Junior Tyus Battle leads the Orange with 17.3 PPG. As usual, Coach Jim Boeheim has established a very disciplined defense which is giving up only 61.7 PPG (14th in the nation).

The Orange in their last seven games have been 4-3-0 ATS. The Blue Devils have been 5-2-0 ATS in their last seven.

I fully expect Duke to take care of business against their fellow ACC rival but Williamson is still questionable for tonight’s game after receiving an eye injury against Florida State. This makes it harder for me to trust the spread especially against a good Syracuse defense.