Multiple times each week, The Gaming Juice’s resident action seeker, Brad Evans, will attempt to blast the ‘books with his favorite selections on sides, totals, props, teasers or parlays. As always, fade or follow Brad’s picks — fading is encouraged — but that’s up to you.
Sledgehammer Special — Duke ML, North Carolina +15.5 (+105, MGM)
Along Tobacco Road or really any meandering path in college hoops, North Carolina vs. Duke is the most hyped, most promoted and most consumed rivalry on the calendar.
As the exclamation point of the regular season’s final weekend each year, the storied blue-blood battle has featured legends like Jordan, Worthy, Psycho T, Laettner, Hill, Reddick and school “icons” such as Cherokee Parks and Leaky Black.
So many cerebral-stamping memories. So many heart-pumping confrontations.
[ Bracket Big Board: Brad Evans’ NCAA Tournament projections ]
As for betting audiences (soon North Carolina … March 11 is nearly here!), it's only natural to plop on the coach, fire up the sportsbook app and throw cash at the winning side, hopefully.
Gamers dancing with the Blue Devils surely enter the Cameron Indoor Stadium collision with soaring confidence.
Since Feb. 1, Duke is No. 4 overall in the nation, according to BartTorvik’s measurements, 14 spots higher than its arch-nemesis. Over that span, the Devils also are top-25 in offensive and defensive efficiency.
Kyle Filipowski, in particular, has been a load. His high activity around the rim explains why Duke has converted 57.1% from two and grabbed an offensive board 38.6% of the time in its last 10 games. Jeremy Roach and, from outside, Jared McCain have also raised their games.
As for North Carolina, its overall effectiveness isn’t as profound. In the past nine games, the Tar Heels rank a modest No. 152 in effective field-goal percentage offense and No. 63 in effective field-goal defense. Puzzlingly, even with 10th-year senior Armando Bacot manning the post, UNC ranks No. 217 in 2-point percentage offense since early February. Shocking, isn’t it?
Historically, defense has not been an area of strength for North Carolina, but Hubert Davis’ club has defended phenomenally this season. Over its past five games, Carolina is No. 4 nationally in eFG defense, surrendering an incredibly low 37.4% from two. All in all, Filipowski will be continuously challenged on near-proximity attempts.
The Heels are 5-3 straight-up in their last eight encounters against their hated enemy. In the past four contests, including UNC’s 93-84 triumph inside the Dean Dome on Feb. 3, the margin of victory for either team was just 6.0 points per game.
Given the rivalry’s intensity, Duke’s climbing profile, UNC’s defensive energy and the stark contrast in styles (Duke ranks No. 349 in adjusted tempo over the last 30 days; Carolina is No. 54), the above 'in the middle' SGP is this dice roller’s wagering approach in this classic matchup.
Enjoy the Crazies, bandwagoners.
Season record: 13-11, +2.68 units
BONUS TIME — Providence +10 vs. UConn (-110, DK)