The Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels, two of college basketball's most storied rivals, are set to clash in what promises to be a thrilling regular-season finale. This year's matchup carries extra weight for both teams, with Duke looking to solidify their top ranking and North Carolina fighting to secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Duke enters the game with an impressive 27-3 record, led by freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, a projected #1 NBA Draft pick. Flagg's all-around game, averaging 19.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. The Blue Devils' depth extends beyond Flagg, with talented players like Kon Knueppel (13.6 PPG), Tyrese Proctor (11.8 PPG), and others contributing to their success. Duke has been dominant recently, winning 23 of their last 24 games, including a decisive 87-70 victory over North Carolina earlier in the season.

North Carolina's season has been more of a rollercoaster. After losing key players in the off-season, the Tar Heels struggled to find consistency, falling to 14-11 at one point. However, they've turned things around with a six-game winning streak, averaging an impressive 90.8 points per game during that stretch. Led by RJ Davis (17.2 PPG) and freshman standout Ian Jackson (13.5 PPG), North Carolina boasts a talented roster capable of competing with anyone.

The game will be played at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, a venue where North Carolina has historically been tough to beat. While Duke is favored, the Tar Heels have a strong record against the Blue Devils at home, winning five of their last eight matchups since 2017. The experience of North Carolina's players, particularly fifth-year senior RJ Davis, could also be a factor in a rivalry game known for its intensity.

This game is particularly important for North Carolina, as a win against Duke would significantly boost their NCAA Tournament chances. The Tar Heels are playing their best basketball of the year and understand the magnitude of the opportunity before them.

Key Matchup Details:

Odds (via FanDuel Sportsbook):

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Series History:

Prediction:

While Duke is the higher-ranked team with a dominant record, North Carolina's recent form, home-court advantage, and the experience of their key players make them a dangerous opponent. Expect a close, high-scoring game with North Carolina edging out a victory: North Carolina 89, Duke 86.

Reasons for Optimism for North Carolina:

• Experienced Leadership: RJ Davis's leadership and experience will be crucial in a high-pressure environment.

Can the Tar Heels pull off the upset and secure their NCAA Tournament bid? Tune in to find out!

This game also marks a special night for RJ Davis as he is expected to surpass former teammate Armando Bacot for the most games played by a single player in ACC history. It is also senior night for players like Ty Claude and Jae'Lyn Withers.