Syracuse vs Duke: Betting Odds, Picks, and Predictions (3/10/22)

Syracuse vs Duke Betting Odds

Once again, Jim Boeheim has rallied the troops for March.

Syracuse wrecked Florida State in the first round of the ACC Tournament, beating Leonard Hamilton’s team by 40. Syracuse shot 11-for-28 from 3 while Florida State shot just 2-for-25 from 3.

Meanwhile, Coach K and Duke are ready to rebound after a disastrous home-court loss to North Carolina.

The last time these two met up, Duke cruised to a 25-point victory.

Can Boeheim and co. right the ship? Or will Coach K and Duke dominate Syracuse yet again?

Syracuse Orange Odds

Syracuse had an underwhelming season. While the team usually notches it up in March, Syracuse ended the conference season on a four-game losing streak.

The zone is not working. Syracuse hasn’t posted defensive metrics this bad in years. Syracuse finished sub-200 nationally in defensive efficiency and sub-300 in defensive rebounding rate. Syracuse also allowed the second-most points per game in the ACC.

Meanwhile, the offense has been carried by Joseph Girard and the Boeheim brothers. ‘Cuse shot the lights out from 3 this season, but the interior offense was irrelevant. Syracuse finished 12th in the ACC in 2-point shooting, as Frank Anselem and Cole Swinder proved they couldn’t reproduce Quincy Guerrier’s production.

The question is if Syracuse can pull out another miracle March run. Personally, I am skeptical. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Syracuse won this game outright.

If the Orange don’t win the ACC Tournament, they’re not making the Big Dance.

Duke Blue Devils Odds

If there ever was a bounce-back spot for Duke, this is it.

Duke is off the most-embarrassing home loss since the Coach K era began.

In Coach K’s regular-season finale, Duke lost by double digits to its archrival. UNC dominated the second half, and four Tar Heels scored more than 20 points.

But it’s not like Duke isn’t a good team. The Blue Devils finished in the top-25 nationally in both effective field goal percentage and effective field goal percentage allowed. Duke is also active on the offensive boards and never turns the ball over.

Plus, Duke is led by a stud in Paolo Banchero. Banchero averaged 17 points, seven rebounds, and three assists this season with a 109 ORtg – all as a freshman.

The support staff has been great, too. Wendell Moore and Trevor Keels have been reliable scoring options, and AJ Griffin has been a menace in the second unit.

However, the most important Duke player is Mark Williams. Williams has the third-highest ORtg of any D-I player, and he’s been a reliable rim protector at 7-foot-0. If he plays well, there is no ceiling for Coach K’s final Duke squad.

Syracuse vs Duke Prediction and Pick

Syracuse just dominated Florida State in a non-competitive game.

Meanwhile, Duke just got embarrassed by its biggest rival.

If there ever was a bounce-back spot, this is it.

Duke has been called “the perfect offense to beat the zone” in the past. And, I agree with that sentiment. Duke is an up-tempo offense that will get out in transition before the zone as set, and the Blue Devils can move the ball to either of the lengthy wings or Mark Williams in the half court.

This is too good of a spot for Duke. I’ll lay any number with the Blue Devils entering this game.