Pack offense meets Devils’ ‘D’: How to watch and stream Duke vs NC State on Wednesday
When No. 16 Duke visits PNC Arena to play N.C. State on Wednesday night, the Blue Devils face a challenge they’ve mostly been successful handling this season.
The Wolfpack’s season scoring average (79.5) is second in the ACC. Duke, meanwhile, has allowed just 60.9 points per game. Six times this season the Blue Devils have held their opponent to its lowest scoring output of the season, and 12 of Duke’s 13 opponents have failed to reach their season average.
In short, a battle of wills is set to unfold in an intriguing early-season ACC basketball game.
N.C. State (11-4, 1-3 ACC) features a strong scoring backcourt in Terquavion Smith (18.1 points per game), Jerkel Joiner (15.7) and Casey Morsell (13.5). Morsell has made an impressive 47.7% of his 3-pointers to lead the ACC.
Duke (11-3, 2-1) looks to mix and match Jeremy Roach, Jaylen Blakes, Tyrese Proctor, Dariq Whitehead, Mark Mitchell and Jacob Grandison to clamp down on that Pack trio.
“Our guards have done a tremendous job defensively, both the guys that start and come off the bench,” Duke graduate transfer Ryan Young said Tuesday. “I have a ton of faith in them being able to take on a challenge.”
That depth, Duke coach Jon Scheyer said, allows him to be flexible and utilize lineups based on what’s happening in the game as opposed to predetermined roles.
To beat N.C. State, though, the Blue Devils need to play far better on the road Wednesday night than they did in their only other game on an opponent’s home court. On Dec. 20, Wake Forest handled Duke 81-70 in Winston-Salem.
Duke’s game with the Wolfpack starts a stretch where it plays three of the next four games on the road and, for the month, five of eight away from Cameron Indoor Stadium.
“To be in those moments to play in an arena where everybody wants you to lose,” Scheyer said, “that’s what it’s all about. Enjoy being in the moment, and no matter what happens from here or where we go, to enjoy this game. And enjoy it by playing well, obviously, that would be a good thing. But for us, I want these guys to enjoy this experience, enjoy this ride, and that means going into hostile environments and being ready to play.”
Tipoff time + TV channel for Wednesday’s game
The game will start at 7 p.m. Wednesday and air on ACC Network, which is available on major cable and satellite services such as Spectrum, Dish Network and DirecTV.
How to stream Duke vs NC State State game online
Are you a cord-cutter?
If your preferred method of watching games involves streaming, there are options for that, too.
ACC Network is available on Sling, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream and YouTubeTV streaming services. Or click here to view on the ESPN app.
Game day details: Duke vs. NC State
Teams: Duke Blue Devils vs N.C. State Wolfpack
Where: PNC Arena, Raleigh
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 4
Time: 7 p.m.
TV: ACC Network
Betting line: Duke is a 3.5-point favorite and the over-under total is 144 points.
Series history: Duke and N.C. State will meet for the 253rd time, with the Blue Devils leading the all-time series 150-102. Duke and N.C. State are nearly equal at PNC Arena, with the Blue Devils holding a 9-7 edge.
Pregame reading
To be its best, Duke basketball needs steady play from Jeremy Roach, Kyle Filipowski
Long way from home: Duke basketball’s Tyrese Proctor settles in with the Blue Devils
How Dariq Whitehead’s measured return to Duke basketball has impacted the Blue Devils
How Jeremy Roach and Tyrese Proctor are progressing in Duke basketball’s backcourt
Duke basketball appeared to right the ship. What we learned from wins over Ohio State, BC
Duke basketball searching for — and finding — solutions to its inconsistent offense
Duke basketball team’s plane diverted after loss to Kansas. Where it went, and why
With deep breath and cold shower, new era begins at Duke with Jon Scheyer’s first win
Jon Scheyer gets 1st win as Duke coach. Blue Devils beat Jacksonville 71-44 in opener
UNC and Duke lead way as ACC looks for stronger start following March resurrection
Jon Scheyer wants Duke’s defense to be great as new era begins for Blue Devils
Duke coach Jon Scheyer on former Blue Devils guard Kyrie Irving and antisemitism