Baylor Bears (9-1) vs. Duke Blue Devils (7-3)
As the NCAA Men’s Basketball season heats up, an exciting clash is set to occur Wednesday between Baylor Bears and Duke Blue Devils at Madison Square Garden – both teams boast impressive records: Baylor 8-1 compared to Duke 7-3 respectively – marking it a key matchup that promises an unforgettable showdown for fans and bettors looking for NCAAB daily picks alike.
Baylor Bears have been nothing short of spectacular this season. Their offensive prowess can be seen by their average of 88.4 points per game and impressive 51.7% field goal percentage; three-point shooting success stands at 42.1% success rate. Defensively, they average 7.4 steals and 4.6 blocks per game to disrupt opponents; yet with 12.7 turnovers per game being an issue against teams like Duke.
Duke Blue Devils have shown remarkable resilience and skill, averaging 81.6 points per game at 48.5% shooting accuracy while netting an impressive 36.4 rebounding per game; their lower turnover rate (9 per game) makes an impactful statement, while their defense still provides significant challenges with 6.6 steals and 3.7 blocks per game; an accomplishment comparable to Baylor.
Baylor Bears vs. Duke Blue Devils Game Info
| When: | Monday, December 18, 2023 at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Robert A. Mott Athletics Center |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Ja’Kobe Walter (Guard) vs. Kyle Filipowski (Center)
Ja’Kobe Walter continues to develop into a reliable primary scorer, building on his breakout freshman season. Though undersized for his position, the sophomore uses shiftiness and perimeter shooting to effectively create space. His 37% clip from three poses matchup problems for Duke, with the quickness to lose bigger defenders. Limiting turnovers and foul trouble remain areas of focus for Walter in close games.
Kyle Filipowski possesses excellent mobility and touch for a big man, enabling him to score from all levels of the court. The freshman center shoots at a 51% rate from the field, using his frame and length to score down low while showing a reliable mid-range jumper. While he has made an immediate impact, Filipowski’s defense and passing remain works in progress at the college level.
Walter’s three-point shooting could help pull Filipowski out of the paint and into uncomfortable positions defensively. However, Duke’s size and length present challenges for the smaller Walter getting clean looks inside. Containing the multidimensional Filipowski on defense represents a tough assignment. Expect Walter’s outside shooting and Filipowski’s inside play to directly impact this matchup’s tempo and outcome.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds are yet to be determined, but they will offer valuable insights once available. Bettors should closely monitor the spreads and moneyline odds, considering the teams’ strengths and recent performances.
Baylor Bears Betting Trends
Baylor boasts an efficient offense prone to hot three-point shooting nights, going over the first half point total in 21 of 34 outings. They score nearly 90 points per game and excel pushing pace, a style suited for covering against slower teams. While trending over lately, the Bears go under the total in away matchups at a much higher 42% rate.
Duke Blue Devils Betting Trends
Duke plays at one of the slowest paces nationally and limits possessions with rugged defense, hitting under 61% of games. They perform extremely well at home, covering 13 of 14 moneylines behind a raucous Cameron Indoor environment. One trend to watch is Duke going over their team total at home 55% of the time, suggesting their offense finds another gear in familiar confines.
Baylor Bears vs. Duke Blue Devils 12/20/23 Betting Picks
Considering the statistics and trends, this game poses a fascinating challenge for bettors. Baylor’s offensive might against Duke’s solid home record and defensive style makes for a tantalizing contest. In terms of picks, the game could go either way, but Baylor’s slightly superior offensive stats might give them the edge.
For those looking at prop bets and over/under, consider Baylor’s strong start trends and Duke’s tendency to control the game tempo at home. The best online casino offerings will likely provide a range of options for this high-profile matchup.
