#2 Auburn vs #9 Duke: NCAA Basketball Predictions, Odds & Best Bets

The Duke Blue Devils host the Auburn Tigers tonight at Cameron Indoor for the ACC/SEC Challenge. This matchup features two Top 10 teams on the AP Poll, and two Top 4 teams analytically according to Bart Torvik. Let’s break it down.

The visiting Auburn Tigers are coming off a Maui Invitational win. Not only did they knock off #3 Houston earlier this year, but now they have another Top 10 win, as well as two more Top 35 wins under their belt after beating Iowa State, North Carolina, and Memphis. The Tigers have been exposing teams that lack a front court, feeding the big man Broome who averages 20-12 per game and has 5 straight double doubles.

However, I think the Blue Devils can compete. Duke has two losses this season, both to Top 10 teams on neutral sites. They also went on the road and beat #26 Arizona in the desert, but have a tough stretch of games right here. They host Auburn, and then travel to Louisville to face a Top 55, very scrappy Cardinals team. Will Duke come focused tonight? Or can the Tigers stay undefeated and add another Top 10 win to their resume?

#2 Auburn Tigers vs #9 Duke Blue Devils: SEC vs ACC Challenge

Matchup Information – Auburn vs Duke

• Venue & Location: Cameron Indoor Stadium (Durham, NC)
• Date: Wednesday, December 4th, 2024
• Tip Off: 9:15pm Eastern
• Broadcast: ESPN

Betting Odds

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Spread

• Auburn +2.5 (-112)
• Duke -2.5 (-108)

Money Line

• Auburn +125
• Duke -145

Total

• Over 147 (-110)
• Under 147 (-110)

Cooper Flagg and Duke Host Tough Auburn Tigers

Both of these teams, incredibly battle tested this year. They are going through the gauntlet.

Auburn Tigers Top Matchups So Far

• vs #3 Houston: 74-69 Win
• vs #7 Iowa State: 83-81 Win
• vs #20 North Carolina: 85-72 Win
• vs #34 Memphis: 90-76 Win

The only problem I see, is the fact that all of these games were on a neutral site. Sure, the Houston game was in the city of Houston, but it was an unfamiliar gym for the Cougars which could’ve led to some shooting woes. Now let’s look at Duke’s toughest contests.

Duke Blue Devils Top Matchups So Far

• vs #9 Kentucky: 77-72 Loss
• @ #26 Arizona: 69-55 Win
• vs #6 Kansas: 75-72 Loss

Two tough neutral site losses, and a win on the road against a solid Wildcats team. While I’m not here to argue that Duke is more battle tested than Auburn, they have had a tough, true road game. The Auburn Tigers have not.

This is Auburn’s first road game of the year, and they have to go into Cameron Indoor Arena, one of the wildest buildings in all of College Hoops. Duke has the big men to battle with Broome down low, and the guard play to handle the back court as well.

At home, I’ve got to side with the Blue Devils.

#2 Auburn Tigers vs #9 Duke Blue Devils Best Bets

Auburn vs Duke Prediction: Duke Wins & Covers, Under 147

Best Bets: Duke ML (-145) BetOnline

Full disclosure, my man Colby Marchio and I booked this live on Up Your Units last night when it opened at (-126). Now, I am certainly a pay the juiceman guy, especially with these short spreads, but if it’s too juicy, just take the -2.5 and get ready to sweat.

Duke has dropped the ball (literally) down the stretch against big teams, but I think that will be different at home. These freshmen will be much more comfortable on their home court, and against an Auburn team playing their first true, road game this year.

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