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SMU Mustangs vs Duke Blue Devils Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Saturday January 10 2026

By: Kyle Kargel Published 01/09/2026, 09:30 PM ET
Duke vs Cal picks

SMU vs Duke picks headline Saturday’s college basketball slate as the Mustangs head into Cameron Indoor Stadium to take on the Blue Devils in a high-profile ACC matchup. With both offenses capable of lighting up the scoreboard and Duke laying a big number at home, this game stands out when sorting through the day’s college basketball picks and predictions.

TLDR - Picks and Prediction

  • Spread Pick: Duke -11.5
  • Total Pick: Over 157.5
  • Projected Final Score: Duke 86, SMU 74

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  • Duke is favored by 11.5 points at home, signaling a strong market lean toward the Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
  • The total is set at 157.5, reflecting expectations of a fast pace and efficient scoring on both sides.
  • SMU beat North Carolina 97–83, highlighting its ability to score in bunches.
  • Duke enters with a 14–1 record and has consistently produced balanced scoring and rebounding outputs.
  • Both teams are shooting near 50 percent from the field, supporting an elevated total.

Odds and Line Movement

Current Odds

Team Spread Total
SMU +11.5 Over 157.5
Duke -11.5 Under 157.5

Line Movement - Spread

Date Time SMU Duke
01/09 01:45:39PM 11.5-110 -11.5-110

Line Movement - Total

Date Time Over Under
01/09 01:45:40PM 157.5-110 157.5-110

Team vs Team Game Preview and Analysis

SMU travels to Durham after one of its most impressive performances of the season last Saturday, a 97–83 win over a top-15 opponent that showcased just how explosive the Mustang offense can be. Led by Boopie Miller, SMU plays with pace, confidence, and an attacking mindset that looks to score early in the shot clock. They did however lose to Clemson on the road 74-70 in their game on Wednesday.

Duke counters with a more balanced but equally efficient offensive approach. The Blue Devils have been steady all season, combining interior scoring, perimeter shooting, and strong rebounding. At home, Duke’s ability to control tempo often shows up after halftime, when depth and execution begin to separate them from visiting teams.

The key matchup dynamic is pace versus control. SMU will want to run, create transition looks, and turn this into a high-possession game. Duke, meanwhile, can score efficiently without rushing and has the size and depth to slow the Mustangs over a full 40 minutes. That combination makes Duke dangerous as a double-digit home favorite.

From a betting perspective, the 11.5-point spread is large, but Duke’s consistency and home-court advantage justify it if the Blue Devils can keep SMU from sustaining long scoring runs. On the total, both teams’ shooting efficiency and willingness to push offense point toward a game that can clear the mid-150s.

Key Injuries and Notes (SMU and DUKE)

  • No major injuries have been reported for SMU entering this matchup.
  • Duke’s rotation has remained largely intact through recent games.
  • Both teams are expected to be near full strength, keeping offensive expectations high.

Final Score Prediction

I expect Duke to absorb SMU’s early energy, then gradually assert control with depth and execution, especially in the second half.

Projected Final Score: Duke 86, SMU 74

ATS and Total Picks

  • Against the Spread: Duke -11.5
  • Over or Under: Over 157.5
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