Sixth-ranked Duke suffered a serious blow in the backcourt earlier this week as senior power forward Amile Jefferson broke his right foot in practice. That’s poor timing for the Blue Devils, as Saturday’s slate of college hoops action pits them against the Utah Utes.
Utah features Jakob Poeltl, a sophomore center who has been absolutely on fire as of late. Poeltl is shooting 69.9 percent from the field and is averaging 19.1 points and 9.5 rebounds this season, meaning the loss of Jefferson could create huge matchup issues for the Dukies.
Duke has won three out of their last four meetings with Utah, including a 63-57 victory in the Sweet 16 clash during last season’s NCAA Tournament.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks (including Sportsbook) had the Duke Blue Devils betting line as -8-point favorites in this particular matchup earlier in the day. Also, watch for the Sportsbook over/under total value at Sportsbook.
Utah Utes vs Duke Blue Devils Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Supporters of the Utah Utes have watched them go 8-2 and 3-6-1 ATS on the college basketball season, while the Duke Blue Devils are at 9-1 and 4-5 ATS. In totals betting, the Duke Blue Devils are 4-5, while the Utah Utes have a 8-2 mark.
The Duke Blue Devils sit at No. 7 in the current college hoops power poll here at Odds Shark, while the Utah Utes sit at No. 53 on the same chart.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up Duke's No. 6 nationally ranked offense (87.3 points per game) against a Utah Utes defense that sits as the No. 162 at 71.4 PPG. The Duke Blue Devils have been averaging 48.93% from the field, less than the Utes have managed so far this season (49.01% on average).
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Utes blew out Savannah State on Wednesday, running up a 20+ point victory in a 99-53 win at Jon M. Huntsman Center.
Duke cruised to victory on Tuesday, running Georgia Southern out of the gym and running up a 99-65 score at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Next Betting Matchups
Utah home to Delaware State, Tuesday, December 22nd
Duke at Elon, Monday, December 28th