The North Carolina vs. Duke college basketball rivalry, often called the Battle of the Blues or Tobacco Road rivalry, is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most intense in all of sports. To illuminate, it is frequently ranked among the top rivalries in college basketball. Additionally, it ranks among the top North American sports overall. In fact, ESPN has called it one of the fiercest ever.
The two schools—the University of North Carolina (UNC Tar Heels) in Chapel Hill and Duke University (Blue Devils) in Durham—are just about 8 miles apart. Hence, that proximity fuels a deep, passionate feud that extends beyond the court into academics, recruiting battles, and fan culture. It's not just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon in North Carolina. Specifically, there is massive statewide attention, packed arenas, and national TV audiences every time they meet.
Duke is rolling: 20-1 overall, 9-0 in ACC, ranked No. 4 nationally, on a 9-game win streak, and clear ACC favorites under coach Jon Scheyer (who's 5-2 vs. UNC in his tenure so far). By contrast, North Carolina is competitive but looking to upset its hated rival. UNC is ranked around No. 14-18 in recent polls and is coming off a big recent win over Syracuse on Feb. 2.
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Duke Blue Devils at North Carolina Tar Heels Odds at Bookmaker
Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, NC, will host the ACC rivalry matchup between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Tipoff time is at 6:30 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.
This is the first matchup of the season in this rivalry. Duke has won the last three meetings (including a 74-71 win in March 2025, likely the ACC tournament), and is 6-4 in the past 10. In turn, UNC's last home win over Duke was a couple of years back, but the Dean Dome crowd could flip the momentum.
Both teams enter relatively healthy, compared to past rivalry games, with only nagging issues. Duke's health edge (minimal absences beyond the known season-ender) aligns with their dominance. In like manner, UNC does not have any major injuries either.
Duke Blue Devils
The Duke Blue Devils are 20-1 straight up, 13-8 against the spread, and 7-14 over/under the total. Late on, Duke has covered six out of their last seven games. At the same time, the Blue Devils have gone under the total in four of their previous five matchups.
Duke has NCAABB metrics of 13th in scoring offense, 19th in field goal percentage, 188th in 3-point field goal percentage, 204th in free throw percentage, and 7th in offensive rebounding.
The Tar Heels have NCAABB metrics of 35th in scoring defense, 11th in field goal percentage allowed, 63rd in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 33rd in defensive rebounding.
North Carolina Tar Heels
The North Carolina Tar Heels are 18-4 straight up, 12-10 against the spread, and 11-11 over/under the total. Late on, North Carolina has covered three out of their last four games. At the same time, the Tar Heels have gone over the total in nine of their previous ten matchups.
North Carolina has NCAABB metrics of 77th for scoring offense, 46th for field goal percentage, 165th for 3-point field goal percentage, 312th for free throw percentage, and 39th for offensive rebounding.
North Carolina has NCAABB metrics of 77th for scoring defense, 30th for field goal percentage permitted, 211th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 70th for defensive rebounding.
Duke at North Carolina Betting Trends
Duke has covered three of its last four away games against North Carolina.
The Tar Heels and Blue Devils went over the total in four of their last six meetings at North Carolina.
Duke got the cash in 16 of their last 19 away games.
North Carolina failed to cover two of its most recent three home games.
Duke at North Carolina Bookmaker Best Bets
Duke is in good recent form and has been the more profitable team this year. Additionally, Duke is the stronger and deeper team. Finally, the Blue Devils print cash on the road.
Main Pick: Duke Blue Devils
Over/Under Pick: Under the Total
Player Prop Picks: Cameron Boozer Over the Total Points Total
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