Staff predictions: Champions Classic

The staff at Bull City Hoops puts in their picks for tonight’s marquee match-up between Duke and John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats.

Let’s kick off the college basketball season with a little fun. Join us with your prediction and a few thoughts for tonight’s game between Duke and Kentucky in Madison Square Garden.

The Champions Classic matchup with the Kentucky Wildcats is one of three games that Duke has scheduled against ranked opponents in nonconference play. 

Here are our staff predictions:

Clint Jackson

Duke wins this one 88-81 as Paolo Banchero shows out with his versatile game in New York. While both teams have a ton of talent, I think the Blue Devils’ team chemistry proves to be the difference maker. I see Duke playing strong defense and I see Wendell Moore Jr. having a huge impact on this outcome.

Brian McLawhorn

If you’ve been reading my work at any point over the last 20 years, you know I hate giving score predictions. But, I’ll play along — Duke wins, 85-77. Kentucky has a lot of talent on the perimeter, so Duke will have to be on top of things defensively. I think Trevor Keels and Wendell Moore Jr. will lead the charge with that. In the end, I think Duke’s frontcourt will be too much for Kentucky to handle. Mark Williams and Paolo Banchero should be poised for a big day. 

Tyler Simpson

Duke wins 86-78. I struggled back and forth on this one. If you asked me two weeks ago I probably would have said Kentucky, but after watching them struggle against Miles College it seems like their same problems last year are going to plague them this year. Ultimately, I think this game comes down to guard play, specifically at the point guard spot. I think the frontcourt should be physically imposing to Kentucky and that could really be the deciding factor here. Bold take here, but Paolo will announce his entrance to college basketball much like Zion did against Kentucky in 2018.

Post your prediction in the comment section.