Duke vs Pittsburgh: 2020-21 college basketball game preview, TV schedule
Duke looks to continue winning in the ACC against the Pittsburgh Panthers. Can the Blue Devils avoid a potential upset?
TV schedule: Tuesday, December 29, 8:00 pm ET. ACC Network
Arena: Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina
It’s been a long month for the Duke Blue Devils (3-2, 1-0). After losing by 15 points at home to Illinois, Coach Mike Krzyzewski had commented about whether or not college basketball should be playing at the time. There was plenty of commentary concerning that, as well as the decision to cancel the game against Gardner-Webb to allow the players to go home and celebrate the holidays.
The last game Duke played was against Notre Dame on December 16th. They were able to win 75-65, led by 18 points from Matthew Hurt. DJ Steward had 16 points, while fellow freshman Jeremy Roach had 14. In light of freshman forward Jalen Johnson’s foot injury and absence, Jaemyn Brakefield stepped up with 10 points off the bench.
The Blue Devils aren’t the only team dealing with injuries, as their opponent Pittsburgh (5-2, 1-1) lost its best player Justin Champagnie for at least a month after suffering an injury during practice last week. He’s led the team with 17.8 ppg and 12.3 rpg in six games, including back-to-back performances of at least 20 points and rebounds. The hope is that Au’Diese Toney, who also missed the last game (64-54 loss to Louisville), will be back for this game.
Toney and Xavier Johnson are the lone consistent scorers for the Panthers‘ offense. Transfers Nike Sibande and Ithiel Horton will have more of a role going forward, while forwards John Hugely and William Jeffress will be needed to replace the inside production without Champagnie.
Next. Surprising Final Four contenders. dark
Duke won last year’s lone matchup (79-67) and will be the heavy favorite to win this game since Pittsburgh doesn’t have its best player. But the Blue Devils have played just once in over three weeks and there could be rust, while the Panthers are determined to get a big upset in the ACC. Expect a slow start overall, until Duke’s superior talent takes hold and moves ahead.
Prediction: Duke 64 – Pittsburgh 50