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Duke basketball vs Wake Forest: Score prediction, scouting report
Following a full week between games, Duke basketball returns to the court this weekend in a Tobacco Road rivalry matchup at Wake Forest.
The second-ranked Blue Devils (16-2, 8-0 ACC), who have the nation’s longest winning streak at 12 games, will try to avoid an upset against the Demon Deacons (15-4, 7-1) on Saturday (4:30 p.m., ESPN) at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Winston-Salem hasn’t been kind to Duke, which has lost in its last two trips to the Joel. The teams split a pair of meetings in 2024, but Wake Forest had a court-storming win in the second game.
Here are some other things to know and a score prediction for Duke vs. Wake Forest.
Cooper Flagg stats in Duke basketball road games
As the favorite to win National Player of the Year and the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Duke freshman Cooper Flagg is the story anytime the Blue Devils take the court. Flagg has been impressive all season, logging several big-time games away from Cameron Indoor Stadium. In five road games, the 6-foot-9 wing has averaged 21.8 points and 7.8 rebounds. Coming off a road-best 28 points at Boston College, Flagg could put on another show in front of tie-dye nation at Wake Forest.
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Wake Forest guards Hunter Sallis, Cameron Hildreth vs Blue Devils defense
If Wake Forest is going to pull off the upset, it’ll be because of guards Hunter Sallis and Cam Hildreth. Sallis, the second-leading scorer in the ACC at 19.2 points per game, has scored 20 or more points in seven of the last eight games. The All-ACC guard averaged 25.5 points in two games against Duke last season, dropping 29 on the Devils in an 83-79 win at the Joel. Hildreth is on a similar scoring stretch, reaching 20 or more points in three of the last four games. The English guard has made 26 of 30 free throws in the last three games. Duke, which is second nationally in defensive efficiency according to KenPom.com, will have to bring its best on the road against Wake Forest’s veteran scoring duo.
Kon Knueppel scoring, Sion James playmaking vs Demon Deacons
Kon Knueppel and Sion James, two players playing at Wake Forest for the first time, could have a huge influence on helping the Blue Devils avoid another court-storming situation at the Joel. after scoring a career-high 25 points against Miami, Knueppel put up the first goose egg of his career at Boston College. Prior to that game, Knueppel had three single-digit scoring performances. He averaged 14.3 points in the following games, making multiple 3-pointers in each one. James has become Duke’s top facilitator and one of its toughest defenders. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound guard is averaging 5.2 assists per game in January.
Duke vs Wake Forest score prediction
Duke 73, Wake Forest 63: The Blue Devils haven’t been able to exorcise their demons against the Deacs in Winston-Salem of late. Wake Forest is 10-0 at home and Duke is 5-0 on the road, so something’s gotta give. The Deacs are an NCAA Tournament team, but the Devils are a national championship contender.
Rodd Baxley covers Duke, North Carolina and N.C. State for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding those teams? Send them to rbaxley@fayobserver.com.
Duke basketball will be facing off against Wake Forest in an exciting ACC matchup. Both teams are coming off strong performances and are looking to continue their success in this game.
Scouting Report:
Duke comes into this game with a strong overall record and is currently ranked in the top 10 nationally. Led by star players such as Paolo Banchero and Wendell Moore Jr., the Blue Devils have a potent offense that can score in a variety of ways. Their defense has also been solid, forcing turnovers and getting stops when needed.
Wake Forest, on the other hand, has been a surprise team this season, exceeding expectations and putting up impressive wins. Alondes Williams has been a standout player for the Demon Deacons, showcasing his scoring ability and defensive prowess. Wake Forest will look to push the pace and use their athleticism to keep up with Duke.
Score Prediction:
This game is sure to be a competitive battle between two talented teams. Duke’s offensive firepower and strong defense should give them the edge in this matchup. I predict a final score of Duke 85, Wake Forest 70. Look for the Blue Devils to control the game and come out on top in this ACC showdown.
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- Duke basketball
- Wake Forest
- Score prediction
- Scouting report
- ACC basketball
- College basketball
- Duke Blue Devils
- Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- Game analysis
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