The No. 4 Duke Blue Devils (12-1, 0-1 ACC) welcome the No. 24 Florida State Seminoles (9-1) in a matchup that pits great offense against superb defense. The game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 30, 2017.
Florida State Seminoles vs. Duke Blue Devils Free Prediction
The last time the Seminoles played, they dismantled the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, 98-45. The Seminoles, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.558, had a ridiculous mark of 0.705 and held the Golden Eagles to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.7 (below their season average of 25.0). Trent Forrest led the way for Florida State, recording seven points, 12 assists and six rebounds.
The Blue Devils won big over the Evansville Aces in their last contest, 104-40. The Blue Devils had an absurdly low turnover percentage of 6.8 (better than their season average of 13.5) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.746 (above their season average of 0.565). Wendell Carter Jr. was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Duke (first in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 127.5) takes on the top-notch defense of Florida State (11th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 88.9). Additionally, the Seminoles, who rank 288th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.199), could have a difficult time getting to the line against the Blue Devils, who rank 14th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.159).
After splitting two games last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, the Blue Devils won 75-70. Duke did a fantastic job of making free throws (14-19; 73.7 percent). Florida State, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (14.2 vs. 17.2).
Florida State Seminoles at Duke Blue Devils Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Duke, ATS Winner – Duke, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Florida State ranks 27th in assists allowed per game (10.7) while Duke ranks 168th (14.3).
The Blue Devils average 44.7 rebounds per game, which ranks second in the nation. The Seminoles rank 136th in rebounds allowed per game (34.9).
Florida State averages 23.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 94th in the nation. Duke ranks 200th in three pointers allowed per game (24.5).
The Blue Devils rank 15th in steals allowed per game (4.6) while the Seminoles rank 91st (6.3).
Florida State ranks second in blocks allowed per game (1.7) while Duke ranks 22nd (2.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Seminoles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 21.4, up from 20.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Blue Devils have scored an average of 99.8 points per game (5.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.4 points per game (1.1 below their season average).
