Baylor Bears (9-1) vs. Duke Blue Devils (7-3)
Baylor vs. Duke 12/20/23 – Baylor Bears coming off an impressive win against Arkansas last week, and Duke Blue Devils with an overall record of 7-3 are set to square off on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden with ESPN broadcasting this highly-anticipated NCAA Men’s Basketball game – not only as two formidable teams but also with sports handicappers providing valuable picks and tips! It promises to be an intense battle.
Baylor Bears have demonstrated exceptional resilience and skill this season, posting an outstanding 9-1 record. Their action can be described by an exciting offense that averages 88.4 points per game while their defense excels with 7.4 steals and 4.6 blocks on average per game – along with their 51.7% field goal percentage and 42.1% three-point success rate which showcase not only Baylor’s offensive prowess, but also their ability to control play on both ends of the court.
Duke Blue Devils boast an 8-3 record and bring their own distinct strengths to the court, such as an average of 81.6 points per game with averages of 3.7 blocks and 6.6 steals on defense per game. Furthermore, their 48.5% field goal percentage and 36.9% accuracy from beyond three point range demonstrate their balanced approach to scoring and playmaking.
Baylor vs. Duke 12/20/23 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Madison Square Garden |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Ja’Kobe Walter (Guard) vs. Kyle Filipowski (Center)
Ja’Kobe Walter has built on last season’s strong freshman campaign to lead the Bears in scoring. His three-point shooting and quick hands on defense have allowed him to make an impact from all over the court. However, he gives up significant size against the 7-footer Filipowski.
Kyle Filipowski’s unexpected dominance down low has transformed Duke from a perimeter-oriented team to one comfortable playing inside-out. He leads the Blue Devils in points and rebounds while anchoring the defense. His post play also helps open up space for Duke’s talented guards.
This clash of styles between Walter’s guard play against Filipowski’s interior presence could dictate the flow of the game. If Duke pounds the ball down low, Baylor will need to double team intelligently to force Filipowski into turnovers. Meanwhile, if Baylor’s guards penetrate and kickout for open threes, Duke’s big men may struggle chasing shooters. Ultimately, the player who best flexes his strengths while minimizing any defensive vulnerabilities could lead their team to victory.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but they will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the strategies of bettors and handicappers. These odds will offer insights into the perceived strengths and weaknesses of both teams, guiding predictions and betting strategies.
Baylor Bears Betting Trends
Baylor trends towards high-scoring shootouts, going over the first half total in 21 of their last 34 contests. They’ve also covered well on the road, hitting 8 overs in their previous 12 away matchups. With Duke’s defense still gelling under a new system, the Bears may be able to continue scoring efficiently on the perimeter. However, Duke has gone under the total in 19 of 34 games, including 15 of their last 34 first half unders. They play at one of the slowest paces in college basketball, which could hamper Baylor’s uptempo attack.
Duke Blue Devils Betting Trends
Duke has been money at home, covering 13 of 14 overall and 14 of 17 first half moneylines in Cameron Indoor Stadium. With a raucous home crowd behind them, Duke should come out firing early and keep games tight late with their four-corners offense chewing clock. Additionally, the Blue Devils have gone over their team total points in 10 of 18 home games this year.
Baylor Bears vs. Duke Blue Devils 12/20/23 Betting Picks
Considering the data and trends, this game presents a fascinating mix of Baylor’s offensive firepower against Duke’s home court advantage and defensive acumen. Baylor’s aggressive playstyle, especially in the first half, may set the pace, but Duke’s resilience at home cannot be underestimated.
In terms of betting picks, while it’s challenging to predict the exact outcome, one might lean towards Baylor for their consistent offensive performance. However, Duke’s strong home record and defensive strategy make them a formidable opponent. The over/under bet will be particularly interesting, given Baylor’s tendency to push the score up and Duke’s ability to keep it down.
NCAAB Daily Free Picks, leans towards Baylor’s consistent scoring ability and overall performance this season, but the close scoreline acknowledges Duke’s strength, especially in a venue like Madison Square Garden. As always in NCAA basketball, while stats and trends provide guidance, the unpredictability and excitement of the game often write their own story.
Free Pick and Prediction: Baylor Bears 82, Duke Blue Devils 78