NCAA Basketball: Buy or sell Duke, Kentucky, Michigan State and North Carolina?

Duke Blue Devils

The Blue Devils started week 8 with 3-0 and tied for atop the ACC standings, but the three opponents they faced have an accumulative record of 0-11. Despite this favorable start to the ACC schedule, the Blue Devils rank sixth in two-point field goal percentage, seventh in total rebounds, and most concerning they have turned the ball over twelve times a game.

One factor that demonstrates the Blue Devils’ struggles is that Coach K has put together six different starting line-ups over their seven games played. One contributor to the changing of starters is injury. Starting 6’9 forward Jalen Johnson (11.5 ppg, 8.3 rpg) was updated on Dec. 12, 2020 as being ruled out indefinable for an undetermined amount of time. While his return would help their prospects in the tournament, his absence will be just as big as a detriment as they strive for the best possible seed.

Prior to their loss to Virginia Tech on Jan. 12, 2021, Duke sat at No. 98 in the NET and owners of a No. 10 seed in Joe Lunardi’s Jan. 12, 2021, Bracketology. A ten seed would only be better than a No. 8 seed for the Blue Devils. Either way, the chances of making it to the Sweet 16 by defeating a Tennessee or Iowa at No. 2 or a No. 1 seed if Duke were to get on the eight-line somehow, is slim.

By the time Selection Sunday rolls around, the Blue Devils will deserve higher than a ten seed, but even with the benefit of the doubt and Duke is projected as a sixth seed, possible three seeds such as Creighton, Illinois, or maybe even Tennessee (if they fall) will beat Duke in the second round.

Fellow ACC member Clemson currently sits on the four-line according to Lunardi, if Duke achieves even that level there is still a chance to meet-up with a current five seed like Texas Tech or Missouri caliber team prior to the Sweet 16.

Order: Sell