Georgia Tech vs. Duke Odds
| Georgia Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+17 -110 | 141 -110o / -110u | N/A |
| Duke Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-17 -110 | 141 -110o / -110u | N/A |
New year, new Duke?
After having to postpone its last two games due to COVID, Duke hosts Georgia Tech on Tuesday in its first game since December 22nd against Virginia Tech.
While still short some staff members, Mike Krzyzewski remains optimistic that every player will be available for the game.
Georgia Tech, on the other hand, went through a gap of play as well, but played Sunday in a close loss against Louisville.
Will Duke be able to shake the rust off early and remind everyone why it is a top-three team in the nation, Or will the Yellow Jackets capitalize on Duke's long layoff?
Georgia Tech Relies on Devoe
You can't mention Georgia Tech basketball without first bringing up stud guard Michael Devoe.
Devoe is one of the most lethal scorers in college basketball. He leads the ACC in scoring at 22.1 ppg while shooting 49.4% from the field overall and 46.4% from three.
Fellow guard Jordan Usher is also a lethal number two option, adding 15.1 ppg and 7.1 reb per game, but after Devoe and Usher, this team shows a drastic decline in offensive production.
Ranked 143rd in in AdjO per Kenpom, The offense has been prone to relying too much on their top two scorers, which is a big reason why the Yellow Jackets rank 143rd in AdjO, per Kenpom, and rank 12th in the ACC in points per game.
This is a very slow, efficient perimeter shooting team that relies on the playmaking of Devoe to distribute as well as create his own shot. While he is often good enough to keep them in games, any off night takes Georgia Tech right out of games.
Duke's Elite Offense Starts With Banchero
Coach K's farewell tour has gotten off to a solid start, and Duke is overwhelmingly deserving of its top-three ranking.
The Blue Devils have been an offensive juggernaut, led by star freshmen Paolo Banchero who is averaging a team-leading 17.1 ppg and 7.3 rebs. Banchero is currently on average third in the Wooden Watch, per betting markets, behind Drew Timme and E.J Liddell.
Banchero leads a Duke team that is sixth in AdjO, per Kenpom. The forward has evolved into a complete player, especially when he facilitates and starts fast breaks with his improved vision.
While everyone knows Paolo Banchero is a talented shotmaker, it's important to look for what other areas he can possibly have an impact on the game, just in case his shot isn't falling
Here's a video I put together showing some of Paolo's passing so far this year pic.twitter.com/y2alB3I8Br
— Zach Milner (@ZachMilner13) January 1, 2022
If Banchero can keep facilitating, this should improve Duke's streaky 3-point shooting as it will give the Blue Devils' other offensive options more open looks.
Of course, Duke's success isn't only on Banchero. Fellow forward Wendell Moore Jr has been a force, averaging 17 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5 assists per game.
The glaring weakness for Duke thus far has been its half-court offense. When slowed down, Duke has been prone to stalled-out possessions, failing to knock down the type of shots one might expect from a top-tier team.
The loss against Ohio State is a perfect example as the Buckeyes were able to limit Duke's possessions and force the Blue Devils into taking bad shots.
Georgia Tech vs. Duke Betting Pick
Sometimes, the best bet to make is the one where you just need to plug your nose and pray something else is on TV at the same time. That's the case here as we're targeting the under.
While Georgia Tech is no Ohio State, I expect the Yellow Jackets to slow the game down and try to play at their own pace. If executed, this will force Duke into taking some bad shots with its streaky outside shooting.
With Duke potentially being rusty after two weeks in isolated rest and Georgia Tech traveling a day after a game for an away showdown, I expect this to be an ugly one.
