Just like that, we’ve entered our second week of the fresh college basketball season! Still though, it’s tough to gauge how a lot of these teams will wind up performing in the long haul.

We’re accustomed to seeing glorified scrimmages early on as some of the best teams in the country beat up on some of the worst, and that’s exactly what we’ve seen so far in the two teams we’re focused on today.

Of course, it’s the big matchup in Atlanta with the 2024 State Farm Champions Classic! Stick around as we jump into our top Kentucky vs. Duke predictions for Tuesday night.

 

 

 

#19 Kentucky vs. #6 Duke Predictions For Tuesday, 11/12

Kentucky Wildcats: Can They Win The SEC?

Kentucky basketball is one of the most storied programs in the country, but they’ve struggled mightily in recent memory to bring home a National Championship. Longtime head coach John Calipari is now off at Arkansas, so in comes Mark Pope.

Expectations are always high for the Wildcats, but it appears it may be an uphill battle to win the Southeastern Conference this season. They have just the 5th-best odds entering this game, but as we all know, anything can happen.

They have a lot of new pieces to work in outside of just the head coach, but if their first two games are any indication, they’ll be just fine.

 

 

 

Duke Blue Devils: Freshman Phenoms

Certain players garner certain attention because they’re just that good. First it was Zion Williamson at Duke, and now it’s Cooper Flagg.

The potentially generational athlete is already off to a fine start in his collegiate career, with an 18-7-5 line in game one followed by a double-double his last time out. The scary thing is that there’s another Blue Devil freshman who is looking just as lethal: Kon Knueppel.

He doesn’t have quite the athleticism that Flagg has, but he’s an absolute knock down shooter that demands attention when he’s on the offensive side of the floor. Can these talented freshmen be the ones that wind up eventually leading Duke to the promised land?

 

 

 

#19 Kentucky vs. #6 Duke Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

It's important to mention that our official Kentucky vs. Duke predictions will be available at BetMGM Sportsbook.

In the meantime, check out the Kentucky vs. Duke odds and betting lines at BetMGM:

  • Kentucky Wildcats (+190) vs. Duke Blue Devils (-250)
    • Spread: Kentucky +5.5 (-105) vs. Duke -5.5 (-115)
    • Game Total: Over 160.5 (-110) vs. Under 160.5 (-110)

 

 

 

#19 Kentucky vs. #6 Duke Game Total: Under 160.5 (-110 at BetMGM)

To start our Kentucky vs. Duke picks, I think it’s worth mentioning what our lean on the spread would be. The Wildcats are big underdogs, but they’ve looked up to the task so far, and this is a game where adrenaline will certainly be flowing. We’d lean towards UK if we had to make a spread pick, but we also realize the talent Duke has and could see them winning big. 

That’s why we’ll be betting on the game total instead. Both teams’ offenses were lethal in the opening games, but that level of competition is nowhere near what they'll face in this one. Two things that I look at on offense when judging a team based on those “easy” games are turnovers and free throw percentage. 

Interestingly enough, both Kentucky and Duke haven;t been great in either department to begin the campaign. They’re each averaging 10.5 turnovers per game thus far – again, facing very weak competition – with the Wildcats shooting just over 71% from the FT line and Duke at 73.7%. 

I think this plays out sort of sloppy and the offenses look disorganized, at least for a good portion of the game. Add in the fact that both rosters are filled with lanky, athletic specimens and points could very well be tough to come by. We’re siding with the under 160.5 (-110 at BetMGM) in our Kentucky vs. Duke predictions!

 

 

 

#19 Kentucky vs. #6 Duke Injury Report & Latest News

We have provided our Kentucky vs. Duke predictions, along with the associated odds for the  matchup. An important aspect to consider is the injury reports.

Fortunately, since the season is just beginning, both teams are in good health overall. Duke’s Patrick Ngongba remains out as he has not yet played, but aside from that, both teams are at full strength, with no injury concerns arising from their initial two games.

 

 

 

How To Bet On College Basketball At BetMGM Sportsbook & Claim Your $200 Bonus With Promo Code ALARM1

Before deciding on your Kentucky vs. Duke picks, we have to let you in on an amazing promotion. The BetMGM Sportsbook promo code ALARM1 offers an exciting bet-and-get bonus that truly delivers on its promise.

By simply signing up through our links and making your first qualifying bet, you are guaranteed to receive your bonus. This qualifying wager only needs to be a minimum of $10 and can be placed on any sporting event of your choice, whether it be our Kentucky vs. Duke predictions or not.

The best part? It doesn’t even have to win! Regardless of the outcome, BetMGM will credit your account with $200 in bonus bets. If you're looking to secure a $200 boost, be sure to sign up here using the BetMGM Sportsbook promo code ALARM1!