Pitt vs. Duke prediction and odds for Wednesday, January 11 (Blue Devils strong at home)

Jan 7, 2023; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Mark Mitchell (25) drives to the basket against Boston College Eagles guard DeMarr Langford Jr. (5) during the second half at the Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2023; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Mark Mitchell (25) drives to the basket against Boston College Eagles guard DeMarr Langford Jr. (5) during the second half at the Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Duke Blue Devils have struggled in conference play, going 3-2 in the ACC.

But, they can get back on track tonight when they host the Pittsburgh Panthers, who are 4-1 in the ACC and 11-5 overall.

The Blue Devils will be happy to return home tonight. Their play on their home court has been leagues above their road performances this season, so expect a strong showing tonight.

Let’s dive into the odds for the game and then I’ll give you my best bet.

Pitt vs. Duke odds, spread, and total

Pitt vs. Duke prediction and pick

It should be concerning how much worse Duke is on the road, but we don’t have to worry about that tonight. The Blue Devils’ effective field goal percentage increases 11.5% at home, compared to on the road. Their opponents effective field goal percentage also drops 5.3% from 48.7% to 43.4%.

Duke’s perimeter defense will prove to be key for tonight’s game against Pitt. The Panthers rank 36th in three point shot rate, with 44.1% of their shots coming from three point range. Luckily for us Duke bettors, the Blue Devils rank 24th in college basketball in opponent three point field goal percentage, keeping teams to shooting only 29.1% from beyond the arc.

Also, when covering a big spread, getting second chanced scoring opportunities is huge. Duke’s biggest strength is offensive rebounding, ranking fifth in the country in that stat.

I’ll lay the points with Duke tonight and hope they stay hot at home.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.