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Georgia Tech at Duke -22
Before the basketball season started, on the What’s the Spread podcast, I said watch out for Duke this season. They are loaded with studs. Zion Williamson, Tre Jones, RJ Barrett, and Cam Reddish. Zion Williamson is more than just an all-star dunker. He is a great all-around player and most likely the number 1 player taken in this year’s draft. The 6’7 freshman phenom comes into this game averaging 21.7 points per game, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. Pair him with RJ Barrett, the number one recruit coming out of high school. And great players like Cam Reddish and Tre Jones, and you have a recipe for the best team in the country. After Duke suffered a tough home loss to Syracuse in overtime, they quickly righted the ship by beating previously unbeaten Virginia. Although they did not cover against Virginia, I still trust the -22 at home against Georgia Tech. Getting Tre Jones back for this game will get them back to blowing lesser opponents out. Outside of a few games this season, Georgia Tech has been struggling. They have double digit losses against Tennessee, Gardner-Webb, Clemson and Louisville. Georgia Tech is 1-6 ATS in their last 7 game against Duke, while Duke comes into this game 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games with one of those non covers being a close victory over Virginia and an OT loss to Syracuse. Big point spread here, but look for Duke to cover and beat Georgia Tech.
Bet 2 units on Duke -22 to win 1.72 units (-110)
Virginia -12 at Notre Dame (-110)
Double digit point spreads on the road in conference play generally scare me. But the Virginia Cavaliers are easily one of the best teams in the country and the Fighting Irish are not much to write home about. Notre Dame is coming off an upset defeat by the hands of Georgia Tech. They will look to bounce back and defend their home court. Problem is, they must do this against a very good Virginia team. The Cavaliers have a stifling defense which holds its opponents to a country leading 52.4 points per game. In the last 7 games against the Fighting Irish, Virginia is 6-1 and 5-2 ATS. They are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall as well as on the road. If that is not enough to get you excited about taking Virginia -12, 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games against Notre Dame. Their balanced attack of Ty Jerome, Kyle Guy, and their stud De’Andre Hunter will score enough for Virginia to pull away late.
Bet 2 units on Virginia -12 to win 1.82 units (-110)
Other Games to Consider
Iowa St at Ole Miss (-2)
Alabama (+4) at Baylor
South Florida (-3.5) at East Carolina
