NC State vs Duke Picks and Prediction – 1/28/2025

The NC State Wolfpack (9-10, 2-6 ACC) will travel to Durham to face the Duke Blue Devils (17-2, 9-0 ACC) at Cameron Indoor Stadium. NC State is coming off a tough 65-62 loss to California, while Duke extended its winning streak to 13 games with an 88-63 rout of Boston College. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

NC State's offense has struggled to find consistent production this season, averaging 70.7 points per game while shooting 44.4% from the field. Marcus Hill leads the Wolfpack with 13.2 points per game, hitting 50.0% of his shots, but the team has lacked additional scoring depth. On the glass, Brandon Huntley-Hatfield pulls down a modest 5.1 rebounds per game. The 12.6 assists per contest suggest solid ball movement

Defensively, NC State allows 67.1 points per game, a respectable figure, but struggles to generate turnovers consistently, averaging only 6.9 steals. Jayden Taylor leads in steals with 1.4 per game, while Ben Middlebrooks has been the top rim protector, averaging 1.7 blocks. However, the team’s overall lack of size and depth has left them vulnerable against dominant frontcourts. 

Duke's offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging 80.3 points per game on 47.9% shooting. Cooper Flagg has been sensational, leading the Blue Devils in points (19.5), rebounds (8.0), and assists (4.2). The team’s rebounding dominance, averaging 39.8 per game, has allowed Duke to control the tempo and dominate second-chance opportunities. Efficient ball movement, highlighted by 17.2 assists per game, keeps opposing defenses guessing.

Defensively, the Blue Devils have been just as impressive, allowing only 59.3 points per game. The disciplined defense and ability to contest shots have limited opponents to low shooting percentages. Flagg’s versatility on defense, alongside contributions from other starters, has made Duke a nightmare to score against. 

Duke's dominance on both ends of the floor, combined with NC State’s struggles to score and defend against elite offenses, gives the Blue Devils a decisive edge. Expect Cooper Flagg to continue his standout season and lead Duke to a comfortable win. Final Score Prediction: Duke Blue Devils wins and covers 90-65.