As March Madness officially tips off, injuries could play a major role in shaping the outcome of the postseason. Several top teams are awaiting final updates on key players, with hopes for their return just in time for the first-round games on Thursday, March 20, and Friday, March 21, 2025. Others may have to adjust their lineups without notable contributors, potentially altering their overall chances of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
A significant focus centers on Duke's freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, who suffered an ankle sprain during the ACC Tournament. Although the Blue Devils' star is expected to be back in time for the opening game, his effectiveness and mobility remain in question. Notably, Duke secured the ACC Tournament title despite Flagg's injury, which has raised concerns about how he can perform once the tournament starts.
Duke enters the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the East Region, with a potential Elite Eight matchup against Alabama looming. The question many pundits are asking is whether Duke received an easy path through the tournament, or if they face legitimate challenges on their quest for a Final Four berth.
The four-day stretch from Selection Sunday up until the first-round games is traditionally filled with predictions and hot takes. ESPN’s Seth Greenberg emphasized that while opinions diverge on the difficulty of the East Region, it is noteworthy that Duke will play their opening games in Raleigh, North Carolina. This proximity ensures strong fan support, reducing the likelihood of an upset early in the tournament.
However, if Duke progresses, they may face much stiffer competition. Their initial opponent, a 16-seed, will not be a significant threat historically; no No. 1 seed has lost in the first round since 2018. Looking ahead, a Sweet 16 battle poses challenges against either No. 4 Arizona or No. 5 Oregon, both of whom have shown they can compete with elite teams.
Arizona previously challenged Duke earlier in the season with a loss by only 14 points in Tucson, while Oregon has proven capable of toppling teams like Alabama, demonstrating their prowess on the court.
Despite previous concerns about Flagg’s injury, NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt provided clarity when he stated, "What we understand from communication with Duke and the ACC is that Cooper Flagg will be available for the NCAA tournament," during an interview with CBS Sports. This news will likely bolster Duke's confidence and fan morale as they gear up for the tournament.
Additionally, Duke is contending without another key player, Maliq Brown, who is sidelined due to a shoulder injury. His status for the tournament remains uncertain as well. It was evident during the ACC tournament that Duke struggled without both Flagg and Brown; their win against North Carolina was narrow, culminating in a three-point victory. With Flagg on the bench, freshman Kon Knueppel stepped up, leading the team in scoring against North Carolina, showing promise for the future.
Knueppel, along with teammate Khaman Maluach, significantly contributed to Duke's success when Flagg was sidelined. Their ability to perform under pressure could be critical for Duke’s progress in March Madness.
Turning back to Duke’s odds in the tournament, they are currently the betting favorites at +320, largely thanks to Flagg's potential—and rightly so, as he is regarded as a projected No. 1 NBA Draft pick. Duke’s overall record of 19-1 in ACC play, coupled with the league’s largest average margin of victory at 20.8 points per game, has established them as a formidable contender this year.
As they enter the NCAA tournament, analysts will be eagerly monitoring Duke's journey. While skeptics feel the East Region bears challenges, the reality is that the Blue Devils’ combination of talent, experience, and favorable matchups makes them a strong candidate to reach San Antonio.
With the first round of games approaching quickly, fans are filling out brackets and making predictions on NCAA men's basketball. The marquee matchups to watch will certainly hinge on the health of standout players and the strategies deployed by teams as they navigate through what is expected to be an unpredictable March Madness.
So mark your calendars: Duke will play a No. 16 seed on Friday at 2:50 p.m. ET, kicking off their title run and attempting to solidify their standing as a legitimate national contender. The stages are set for March Madness, and as health updates come through, the excitement only continues to build.
In the same breath, the stakes are high for all teams involved. As always, the unpredictability of March Madness ensures thrilling matchups and surprises ahead, keeping fans and analysts on the edge of their seats.
