The Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team is all set to face off against the Arizona Wildcats on Friday at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 at the McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona. This marks the first road game of the season for the 12th-ranked Blue Devils (3-1), who are taking on a top-25 nonconference opponent in their home arena since 2019. The 17th-ranked Wildcats (2-1), on the other hand, have been on a roll, winning 49 of their last 52 games at the McKale Center.

Duke vs Arizona: A Battle of Titans

For the Duke Blue Devils, freshman Cooper Flagg is leading the charge. Projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg is averaging an impressive 16.2 points, 9.5 assists, 4 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game. Kon Knueppel, another freshman, is not far behind, averaging 14.8 points per game as the team's second-leading scorer. Junior guard Tyrese Proctor is also making his mark, knocking down 50% of his 3-pointers through four games with 12.8 points per game.Looking at the Arizona Wildcats, fifth-year guard Caleb Love is the reigning Pac-12 Player of the Year. After playing three seasons at North Carolina and transferring to Tucson, Love has averaged 16.8 points in eight games (5-3 record) against the Blue Devils. Jaden Bradley leads the scoring for Arizona at 14.7 points per game, with four other Wildcats averaging double-digit points. Tennessee transfer Tobe Awaka has been a force in the post, averaging 10.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game.

Key Matchup: Flagg vs Love

Cooper Flagg and Caleb Love are set to go head-to-head in this highly anticipated matchup. Flagg's all-around game and potential make him a force to be reckoned with, while Love's experience and scoring ability give the Wildcats a significant edge. This battle between the two young stars will likely determine the outcome of the game.

Home Court Advantage: McKale Center

The McKale Center has been a fortress for the Arizona Wildcats, with a 6-4 record in the all-time series. They have won 49 of their last 52 games at this venue, making it a tough place for opponents to play. The Blue Devils will need to bring their A-game to overcome this home court advantage and come out on top.

Duke's Road Trip Challenges

This is the first road game of the season for the Blue Devils, and it won't be easy. Facing a top-25 opponent in their home arena is a tough test, especially considering the Wildcats' recent success at the McKale Center. Duke will need to stay focused and execute their game plan to avoid a potential upset.

Betting Odds and Predictions

The betting odds favor Arizona with a -1.5 spread and an over/under of 160.5. Duke is priced at -105 and Arizona at -115. While the Wildcats have a strong home record, the Blue Devils have shown that they can compete with the best. It will be a close game, but Duke's talent and experience could give them the edge in a tough environment.

Duke Basketball Schedule Highlights

The Duke basketball schedule is filled with exciting matchups. From the Countdown to Craziness in October to the ACC Tournament in March, there is no shortage of action. The game against Arizona is just one of many highlights on the schedule, and fans are eagerly anticipating each and every game.Rodd Baxley covers Duke, North Carolina, and N.C. State for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding those teams? Send them to rbaxley@fayobserver.com.We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage.