The Duke Blue Devils will look to continue building on a 15-game winning streak as they visit the struggling Syracuse Orange tonight.
Although the Blue Devils maintain the better roster in this matchup, my Duke vs. Syracuse predictions are taking the Orange to cover the massive spread at home.
Read on to see my full college basketball picks for Wednesday, February 5.
Duke vs Syracuse prediction
My best bet
Syracuse +17.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
Duke has established itself as one of the top teams in the country. The Blue Devils rate as one of the best teams in the country both offensively and defensively, and are beating their opponents by an average of over 20 points per game. They hold opponents to just 37.7% from the floor, pouring in 80.3 ppg on offense.
In other words, this is a team that should blow out Syracuse, which has muddled through the season with a 10-12 record. The Orange are coming off a solid win over the California Golden Bears on Saturday, but that snapped a three-game losing streak.
By all metrics, we should expect Duke to win by 20+ points tonight...
Yet, in practice, these teams haven’t played in a way that suggests that’s what we’ll see on the court. Syracuse has covered in seven of its last eight games, including covering both times it was a double-digit underdog. Meanwhile, Duke is only 3-3 ATS over its last six contests and has been shaky for bettors as a massive favorite, going 2-3 ATS in its last five matchups as a favorite of more than 15 points.
The Blue Devils will take control of this game early and coast to victory, but that doesn’t mean I’m comfortable laying this many points. I’m taking the Orange to cover the spread in a game where the scoreboard won’t reflect the true gap between these teams.
Cooper Flagg pick:
My best bet
Cooper Flagg Over 22.5 points (-130 at bet365)
My analysis
Cooper Flagg is averaging an outstanding 20.0 ppg on the season, and that number has only gotten better throughout the year as he has adapted to the college game. In 2025, Flagg is putting up 24.9 ppg, and he’s hit tonight’s total in six of his last nine starts.
Tonight, Flagg gets to face off against a Syracuse team that has allowed 70+ points in five of its last seven games, ranking 145th in defensive rating according to KenPom. It’s an excellent opportunity for Flagg to put up big numbers again, as he’s a class above anyone the Orange can throw at him tonight, whether that’s freshman Donnie Freeman or a more experienced defender.
Duke vs Syracuse same-game parlay (SGP)
Syracuse +17.5
Cooper Flagg Over 22.5 points
Over 143.5
For my same-game parlay, I’ll take Syracuse to cover, along with picking Flagg to hit the Over on his scoring total. I’m also going to throw in a bet on the Over at 143.5 points.
The Orange have been shaky on defense all season long, and they haven’t faced many teams of Duke’s caliber. With Syracuse also playing at a relatively quick pace, it should contribute enough to eclipse tonight’s total.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Duke vs Syracuse odds
Duke vs Syracuse live odds
Duke vs Syracuse opening odds
- Spread: Duke -18.5 (-110) | Syracuse +18.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Duke -3000 | Syracuse +1400
- Over/Under: Over 143 (-110) | Under 143 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Duke vs Syracuse betting trend to know
Syracuse is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games overall. Find more college basketball betting trends for Duke vs. Syracuse.
How to watch Duke vs Syracuse
| Location | JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY |
| Date | Wednesday, 2-5-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
Missouri vs Tennessee key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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