Duke vs. Kentucky: Who wins position battles in 2018 Champions Classic?

Power forward: Zion Williamson vs. P.J. Washington

The frontcourt will be packed with the burly forwards Zion Williamson and P.J. Washington. Both carry the load as the bangers for their respective sides. Williamson is arguably the most athletic player on the court. He found his way to Duke through a number of highlight reel dunks and blocks on defense.

He’ll hope to bring the energy in this matchup after a quality performance in exhibition play. Williamson put up 23 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and two steals in their 132-48 victory over Ferris State on Oct. 27. He will have his hands full guarding Kentucky’s P.J. Washington.

Washington produced 10.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest as a starter for the Wildcats in 2017-18. Through their two exhibition games this season, he’s put up 16.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per contest.

The biggest factor in this matchup is the 3-point line. Both teams like to spread the floor and get shooters open and both are capable of drifting to the 3-point arc for shots.

Many critics have said Williamson isn’t the greatest 3-point shooter while Washington shot 23.8 percent from behind the arc last season. Whoever can control the perimeter here holds the edge. Given Williamson is the most explosive player in this matchup, it’s hard to pick against him going in.

Edge: Williamson