Duke Blue Devils vs Louisville Cardinals Picks and Predictions January 26th 2026

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Duke Blue Devils vs Louisville Cardinals Betting Preview

The Duke Blue Devils continue their dominant run at Cameron Indoor Stadium, where they remain unbeaten this season, while the Louisville Cardinals arrive with renewed confidence thanks to the return of star freshman Mikel Brown Jr. This ACC clash features two nationally ranked programs, with Duke sitting at No. 5 and Louisville at No. 23, making it one of the marquee matchups of the week. The Blue Devils have won seven straight and boast one of the most efficient offenses in the country, while Louisville is looking to prove they can hang with the conference elite after Brown’s impressive comeback performance. Fans can expect a high-energy showdown between two teams with contrasting strengths — Duke’s inside dominance and Louisville’s perimeter shooting — in front of one of college basketball’s most electric home crowds.

Line Movement and Odds

Duke enters as the favorite, but Louisville’s offensive firepower makes this line worth monitoring. Current market:

  • Duke Spread: -7.5 (-112)
  • Louisville Spread: +7.5 (-112)
  • Duke MoneyLine: -336
  • Louisville MoneyLine: +247
  • Total: 157.5 (-110)

For real-time shifts in spreads and totals, follow the College Basketball Odds page, which updates continuously throughout game day.

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Matchup Breakdown

Louisville Outlook

The Cardinals average 87.8 points per game, with Mikel Brown Jr., Ryan Conwell, and Sananda Fru leading the offense. Brown’s 20 points vs Virginia Tech highlighted his return, while Fru’s double-double showcased his versatility. Louisville’s efficiency (11.9 threes per game, 12th nationally; 41.4 rebounds per game, 27th nationally; 14-5 overall record; 4-3 road record) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score from deep makes them a dangerous underdog.

Duke Outlook

The Blue Devils average 85.7 points per game, with Cameron Boozer, Isaiah Evans, and Caleb Foster driving production. Boozer’s 32 points vs Wake Forest highlighted his dominance, while Evans and Foster provide consistent scoring support. Duke’s efficiency (49.8% FG, 23rd nationally; 62.8% two-point FG, 4th nationally; 18-1 overall record; 10-0 home record) underscores their strengths. Their ability to dominate at Cameron Indoor Stadium makes them tough at home.

Key Factors

This matchup may hinge on perimeter shooting and rebounding. Louisville thrives on three-point accuracy and balanced scoring, while Duke must rely on Boozer’s inside presence and Evans’ perimeter shooting to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.

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Injuries / Availability

Louisville: The Cardinals report no fresh injury concerns heading into Monday’s contest.

Duke: The Blue Devils are expected to have their full rotation available.

Environment

Cameron Indoor Stadium has been a fortress for Duke, where they’ve gone 10-0 this season. Louisville, however, has shown resilience on the road, making this a compelling clash of home dominance versus visiting momentum.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Duke 84, Louisville 80

  • Louisville +7.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive efficiency and three-point shooting suggest they can stay within the number.
  • Under 157.5 → Total play. Both teams’ pace points toward a combined score below the line.

Duke’s depth and home-court advantage should carry them to victory, while Louisville’s offense keeps the spread in play. Expect a competitive contest with totals landing just under the posted number.

Handicappers and Service Plays

ACC games often create unique betting opportunities. Our Best Handicappers spotlight experts who consistently read market trends, while the Leaderboard highlights who’s riding hot streaks. Premium insights in Buy Picks provide deeper reasoning behind each wager. For contests like Duke vs Louisville, expert perspectives can help identify sharp angles in spreads and totals.