How to watch, what to watch for as Clemson hosts Duke

Clemson basketball plays one of its biggest regular season games in recent memory Saturday evening as the Tigers host Duke at 5 p.m.

Littlejohn Coliseum is sold out for the matchup, and tickets are going for more than $200 on the secondary market.

Clemson is already off to its best start in ACC history as the Tigers are currently 6-0 and alone in first place in the ACC.

While Clemson is undefeated in league play, it’s Duke that enters the matchup ranked No. 24 in the AP Poll. The Tigers are receiving votes.

Duke is led by first-year head coach Jon Scheyer, who took over the Blue Devils program at the conclusion of last season when Mike Krzyzewski retired.

Clemson coach Brad Brownell was asked this week how much Duke has changed with Scheyer in charge.

“Not a lot. A little bit like Hubert [Davis] taking over for Roy [Williams], I think they probably run a few more players, just watching them,” Brownell said. “They’re still going to be very competitive, they’re going to be organized, they’re going to play hard, they’re going to play the right way. You’re going to have your hands full. They have elite players. He studied under him forever. He played for him. We’ll have to play extremely well to win.”

What to watch for in Clemson-Duke

Clemson has a veteran team, led by senior forward Hunter Tyson.

The North Carolina native is averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds per game, leading the Tigers in both categories. He has recorded a double-double in five consecutive games.

Clemson also has solid play around him with junior guard Chase Hunter taking his game to another level this season. The point guard is averaging 14.5 points per game while also doing a nice job of setting up his teammates.

Veterans PJ Hall and Brevin Galloway are also averaging double-figures. Hall still isn’t 100 percent healthy after a pair of offseason surgeries, but Clemson still feels comfortable going to him when it needs a big bucket at any time.

Senior guard Alex Hemenway will be out again with a foot injury, which means Clemson will need someone else to step up outside of its big four upperclassmen.

Ian Schieffelin, Ben Middlebrooks, Chauncey Wiggins, RJ Godfrey and Josh Beadle have each provided a boost at different points in the season.

A big challenge for Clemson in the game will be rebounding. Duke leads the ACC in rebounding, and that’s an area Clemson has struggled with at times this year.

The Tigers must also guard the ball well. Clemson struggled with on-ball defense at times against Louisville. The Tigers can’t let Duke guards get into the paint, make plays and get fouled.

Game details

Who: Duke (13-4, 4-2 ACC) at Clemson (14-3, 6-0 ACC)

When: Saturday, Jan. 14 at 5 p.m.

Where: Littlejohn Coliseum (Capacity: 9,000)

All-time series: Duke leads 122-32

How to watch: ACC Network; WatchESPN

How to listen: 105.5 FM

Betting line: Duke is favored by 1.5