Conference play in the ACC only just began last week but we already have one of the best matchups here in early January. A rematch of last season’s ACC Tournament title game will pit Duke against Louisville, matching two teams among the national rankings and in position to make themselves known again at the national level.
While the majority of this season has been fantastic, Duke (13-1) hasn’t looked quite the same in recent weeks coming off a loss to Texas Tech. The defense was concerning in two close wins to begin conference play, but the Blue Devils found a way to get the job done and will look to dig deep for another tough road test.
On the home side, Louisville (11-3) was left licking their own wounds after a tough showing at Stanford just a few days ago, giving them an early defeat in conference play. The Cardinals have had a few tough showings this season and really struggle when the outside shots aren’t going in the basket. They’ll certainly have a lot on their mind and a chance to make a statement here on Tuesday.
Duke vs. Louisville: When and Where
Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 7:00 pm ET
Location: KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky
Duke vs. Louisville: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: ESPN
Streaming: FuboTV
Duke vs. Louisville: Betting Odds
Spread: Duke Blue Devils +2.5, Louisville Cardinals-2.5
Moneyline: Duke Blue Devils +114, Louisville Cardinals -135
Total: 160.5
Duke vs. Louisville: Series History
All-time series: Duke leads 17-9
Last meeting: Duke 73, Louisville 62 (March 15, 2025)
Projected Starting Lineups
Duke Blue Devils
Cameron Boozer (23.0 ppg, 9.8 rpg)
Isaiah Evans (13.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg)
Patrick Ngongba II (11.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg)
Caleb Foster (9.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg)
Cayden Boozer (6.8 ppg, 3.4 apg)
Louisville Cardinals
Ryan Conwell (19.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg)
Isaac McKneely (11.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg)
Sananda Fru (11.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg)
J’Vonne Hadley (10.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg)
Adrian Wooley (9.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg)
After a tough showing out west, the Cardinals will be glad to be back home but Cameron Boozer is going to be a nightmare. If Louisville can find their outside shot again, they could be in business but slowing Boozer will be a major necessity to win this game. Duke knows that there’s great talent all over Louisville’s roster and will need someone beyond Boozer to step up if they’re going to grab another big road win. The Blue Devils did previously win at Michigan State but their defense needs to find another gear.
Can the Cardinals get back on track and defend their home court against the heavy favorite in this year’s ACC? Does Duke move past those recent struggles and put together another complete effort on the road?