When Cooper Flagg’s Duke and Virginia take the court, it’s more than just a game. This time, the stakes are as high as ever, with the Duke Blue Devils, sitting at an impressive 22-3 overall and 14-1 in conference play, looking to solidify their dominance in the ACC. Meanwhile, the Virginia Cavaliers at 13-12 overall and 6-8 in the conference, are fighting to prove they can still compete with the best. Though the records may tell different stories, this rivalry always brings out the best in both teams. Plus, tonight’s showdown could be another unforgettable chapter in their storied history.

Duke has been on a tear lately, and Cooper Flagg? He’s been absolutely unstoppable. Whether it’s knocking down shots, flashing that confident grin, or just flat-out owning the court, he’s been making it look easy. But here’s the question: can the Blue Devils handle a Virginia team that’s starting to find its rhythm? The Cavaliers are riding high after a nail-biting, last-second victory over Virginia Tech. Sure, it was close, but a win like that can spark something special—and in college basketball, momentum is everything.

Injury report and lineup: Who’s in and who’s out?

The locker room situation couldn’t be more different for these two teams. Virginia is dealing with a roster that’s stretched to its limits at the worst possible moment. With Elijah Gertrude sidelined, their bench is feeling the strain, and Christian Bliss’s status remains up in the air after being out for months with a foot injury.

On the other side, Duke is in complete control—healthy, focused, and firing on all cylinders. And with Cooper Flagg playing like a man possessed? That’s a nightmare scenario for anyone standing in their way.

Expected lineup:

Virginia Cavaliers

• Anthony Robinson – #1
• Dai Dai Ames – #2
• Isaac McKneely – #11
• Elijah Saunders – #22
• Blake Buchanan – #33

Duke Blue Devils:

• Khaman Maluach – #15
• Caleb Foster – #1
• Sion James – #5
• Cooper Flagg – #32
• Tyrese Proctor – #3

According to ESPN Analytics, the Duke Blue Devils are heavy favorites heading into this matchup, with a 93.1% chance of victory. Meanwhile, the Virginia Cavaliers face an uphill battle, given just a 6.9% probability of pulling off the upset.

While numbers don’t lie, college basketball thrives on unpredictability—so don’t count out the Cavaliers just yet. Anything can happen when the ball tips off. And one man in particular would love to leave a lasting impression!

Cooper Flagg aims to get back in the groove as the ACC battle heats up

Cooper Flagg has been making waves all season. But now, it’s about keeping that momentum rolling in ACC play. After a few up-and-down performances, the Duke star knows it’s time to lock in. His impact goes beyond scoring—he’s controlling games on both ends. Whether it’s ripping down boards with one hand or throwing down highlight alley-oops, Flagg has been a difference-maker.

Against Stanford, he put his versatility on full display. Grabbing a defensive rebound, pushing the pace, and finishing through contact? That’s the kind of play that makes him special. His defensive instincts are elite, too. That steal along the Cardinal bench, leading to a fast-break dunk, was a pure hustle moment. It’s just a small display of the player getting warmed up for the NBA. 

Duke’s No. 1 seed projection is proof of their dominance, but the real challenge lies ahead. The ACC grind isn’t forgiving, and Flagg knows he needs to stay aggressive. His shot selection, defensive reads, and overall presence will be key. With a crucial stretch of games coming up, all eyes are on Flagg to set the tone.

If he finds his rhythm, Duke’s championship hopes stay alive. It’s go time!

The stage is set for Tuesday at 2:30 PM EST when Duke and Virginia square off at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville. With a capacity of 14,500, this place is always electric, but when a team like Duke comes to town, the atmosphere hits another level. Virginia fed off the crowd’s energy to pull off that thrilling win against Virginia Tech, but can they channel that same intensity again?

Or will Duke come in and quiet the storm before it even starts? One thing’s for sure: this will be a showdown you won’t want to miss.