Upcoming Match-ups
Tmrw
6
May
7:30 PM
IND
NY
+6
-6
218
10:00 PM
MIN
DEN
+5.5
-5.5
208.5
Tuesday
7
May
9:30 PM
DAL
OKC
+3
-3
216
Thursday
9
May
9:30 PM
DAL
OKC
+3
-3
214.5

Gonzaga vs Duke Odds and Picks (Nov. 26)

Chris Amberley

by Chris Amberley in College Basketball

Updated Nov 26, 2021 · 1:42 PM PST

Chet Holmgren poses after knocking down a three
Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren (34) celebrates a 3-point basket against UCLA during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/L.E. Baskow)
  • #1 Gonzaga is an 8-point favorite over #5 Duke on Friday (November 26th, 10:30 pm ET) at T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas, NV
  • Both the Bulldogs and Blue Devils are off to perfect 6-0 starts
  • Read below for odds, analysis and a betting prediction

For one night only, the top billing in Vegas won’t be a musical act or circus show, but rather the Gonzaga versus Duke contest. The college basketball superpowers are set to clash on Friday (November 26th) in a matchup of two of the top teams in the country.

#5 Duke vs #1 Gonzaga Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
#5 Duke Blue Devils +275 +8 (-110) O 155.5 (-105)
#1 Gonzaga Bulldogs -350 -8 (-110) U 155.5 (-115)

Odds as of Nov. 25th at DraftKings.

The #1 Bulldogs (6-0) are an 8-point favorite, in a game that features a total of 155.5. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 pm ET at T-Mobile Arena, and will feature the projected top-two picks in next year’s NBA Draft.

Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Analysis

The Zags haven’t just been beating teams so far this season, they’ve been destroying them. All six of their wins have come by 12 or more points, with five of the six victories coming by 20 or more points. They have an average score margin of +31.3, the fourth best mark in the country, and much of the credit goes to 7-foot phenom Chet Holmgren.

The freshman, who’s considered the top prospect in the nation, is averaging 13.2 points and 6.7 rebounds, in addition to 6 blocks per 40 minutes. The lanky center is one of the best shot blockers we’ve seen in ages, but he’s not just a one trick pony. Scouts rave about the agility and ball-handling he shows for his size, and he’s also a proficient three-point shooter (38.4%).

All of those talents were on display in Gonzaga’s last victory, an 83-63 drubbing of #2 UCLA. Holmgren finished with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and four blocks, dazzling the crowd all game long.

The Bulldogs also got 24 points from senior guard Andrew Nembhard, while leading scorer Drew Timme splashed 18. Gonzaga shot 56% from the field, while holding the Bruins to 34.8% shooting, and 2-of-12 from beyond the arc.

The Zags are averaging 91.5 points per game through six contests, and rank third in the country in effective field goal percentage.

Caesars Sportsbook Bonus Code "SBDIMERF" Gets You a Massive Free Bet for All NFL Thanksgiving Games and More
Read More

Duke Blue Devils Betting Analysis

#5 Duke is also off to a 6-0 start, although their competition hasn’t exactly been elite. Outside of their season opener versus #10 Kentucky, the Blue Devils haven’t faced a program ranked inside the top-192.

Duke is led by a freshman phenom of their own in forward Paolo Banchero. The 19-year-old averages a team-high 17.8 points and 8 rebounds per outing, and projects as the number two pick behind Holmgren.

Unlike Holmgren, who’s pencil thin, Banchero has an NBA-body already. At 6-10, 250 pounds, he’s a bruising force inside, but also possesses a smooth stroke from the outside. Last time out, he dropped 28 points versus the Citadel, burying 40% of his three-point attempts.

The Blue Devils also got 22 points from Wendell Moore Jr, and all five starters finished in double-figures in a 107-81 victory.

Duke shot 49% from the field versus the Bulldogs, but allowed the Citadel to knock down 48% of its looks. The Blue Devils rank 18th in points per game, and 11th in average score margin (+24), but are nowhere near elite defensively.

Duke ranks 57th in opponent points per game, and 69th in effective opponent field goal percentage. Those type of numbers simply won’t be strong enough to slow down this Gonzaga juggernaut.

Duke vs Gonzaga Pick

This is a major step up in competition for the Blue Devils after facing a cast of well below average programs over the past five games.

The Zags meanwhile, are fresh of stomping the number two ranked team in the nation, and also own a double-digit victory over #8 Texas, who was ranked top-five at the time.

Gonzaga is 3-0 against the spread in its past three outings, covering by an average of over 14 points. Duke meanwhile, has covered just once in its past five contests.

In matchup of the top-two prospects, and two of the best teams in college basketball, the Bulldogs will show just how special this year’s program is.

Pick: Gonzaga Bulldogs -8 (-110)

Author Image