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Sometimes you want to make a quick pitstop, empty the bladder, grab a bag of salty snacks and limber up the limbs before hitting the open road again. For the fast-minded who enjoy simple $2 scratchers hoping to uncover the jackpot-winning image, here are quick thoughts and leans on Tuesday's Kentucky-Duke showdown.
No. 19 Kentucky (2-0) vs. No. 6 Duke (2-0)
Date: Tuesday, November 12
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Titans, giants, the bluest of the blue bloods. Kentucky vs. Duke is a colossal early season matchup made in hoops heaven.
With a combined 76 conference titles, 88 NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteens, 34 Final Fours and 13 national championships, the college basketball powerhouses boast program histories that speak volumes.
So many unforgettable coaches. So many unbelievable games. So many legendary players.
The 24th edition of Kentucky vs. Duke at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena is sure to have the attention of every Jake imaginable, especially the super-yoked ones with a penchant for selling insurance.
With the Wildcats leading the all-time series 12-11, Tuesday’s Championship Classic marks only the sixth time this century the two brand names will battle. The much-hyped matchup should deliver.
The pick — Kentucky +6 (+121, DraftKings with boost)
Cooper Flagg, whether via internet highlight videos or real-time eye-grabbing moves, is sure to be a franchise cornerstone for the future NBA Lottery winner. The seventh-highest ranked player in KenPom's insanely early Player of the Year ratings, the freshman forward posted 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists in a 96-62 blowout of Maine and 13 points, 11 rebounds and three assists in a 100-58 rout of Army.
Flagg's all-around ability has NBA general managers drooling. Slightly overshadowed teammate Kon Knueppel has also brought the goods. The freshman guard is averaging a team-leading 18.5 points on 56.5% shooting from the floor, including 50% on 3-pointers (7 of 14).
Duke has rolled up a combined 196 points in its first two games. The tallest team in the country according to KenPom, Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils have the size, versatility and viciousness on both ends of the court to contend for a national title.
As for Kentucky, Mark Pope’s group is a savvy collection of proven veterans. The rebuilt Wildcats reached the century mark in their first two contests, beating Wright State 103-62 and Bucknell 100-72. In those smackdowns, Dayton transfer Koby Brea drained 10 of 12 3-pointers, and Drexel transfer Amari Williams posted back-to-back double-doubles.
In the battle of behemoths, Kentucky’s veteran bunch has the advantage. Duke is loaded with talent, but is it honestly worth six points more on a neutral floor? This bettor has his doubts.
Final buzzer: The Wildcats’ experience, depth, precise passing (No. 24 in A/FGM) and 3-point marksmanship (40.0%) should keep them within striking distance in what will likely be a high-scoring, heart-racing affair.
Season record: 0-2, -2.05 units
BONUS TIME — Kansas -5.5 vs. Michigan State (-110, BetMGM)