Duke Futures Bettors Held Their Breath as Their Worst Nightmare Unfolded in the ACC Tournament Quarterfinals
Duke fans and bettors anxiously watched as their worst fears came true in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals. Cooper Flagg, who was the favorite to win the Wooden Award before Thursday’s game, suffered a left ankle injury in the first half against Georgia Tech and had to exit the game.
Given the potential significance of this news, let’s analyze the latest updates on Cooper Flagg’s injury and how sportsbooks initially adjusted Duke’s March Madness odds.
Click on any of the odds below to place your bets. We highly recommend browsing the best sportsbook promos on top sports betting sites for more offers.
Cooper Flagg’s Injury: Impact on College Basketball Betting
When Flagg was taken back to the locker room in the first half with an apparent ankle injury, FanDuel Sportsbook quickly adjusted Duke’s national title odds to +700, placing them behind Auburn (+310), Houston (+650), and Florida (+650). CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein reported that ESPN showed Flagg being wheeled away in a wheelchair due to the injury.
Meanwhile, BetMGM Sportsbook moved Duke’s odds from +325 to +375, while Auburn took the top spot on the odds board at +325.
Join TheLines.com’s free sports betting Discord—with over 5,000 community members and our staff sharing daily bets!
Cooper Flagg is back. pic.twitter.com/e9r2sX9bV8
— Brendan Marks (@BrendanRMarks) March 13, 2025
Win ,000 in Our Perfect 16 NCAA Bracket Contest!
Will Cooper Flagg’s Injury Lead to an ACC Semifinal Defeat?
Flagg returned to the bench at the start of the second half—importantly, without a wheelchair. The standout forward, who is regarded as one of the top players in college basketball, has been shooting 49.4% from the field and averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.. He’s also been highly efficient from beyond the arc, hitting 37.7% of his three-point attempts.
Despite trailing by 14 points in the first half, Duke mounted a comeback against Georgia Tech and will now face UNC in the ACC Tournament semifinals.
In the postgame press conference, Blue Devils’ head coach Jon Scheyer told reporters that Flagg had suffered a left ankle sprain and that X-rays came back negative.
However, Scheyer also added that Flagg’s chances of playing on Friday were very slim, saying, “I’d have to be really convinced. We’ll have to see if he can even go.”
Duke’s arch-rival UNC lost to them during the regular season, and with their bracketology odds on the line, Hubert Davis’ team stands to gain a major advantage if Duke plays it safe with Flagg.
Who is Cooper Flagg?
Cooper Flagg is one of the most promising young basketball players in the world. With his exceptional skills, high basketball IQ, and ability to dominate both ends of the court, Flagg has already made waves in the college basketball scene. Born on December 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine, he has quickly risen through the ranks to become a top prospect for the NBA.
Early Life & High School Career
Flagg’s basketball journey began in Maine, where he showcased his talent from a young age. He attended Montverde Academy in Florida, one of the top high school basketball programs in the United States. During his high school career, Flagg demonstrated an elite scoring ability, defensive prowess, and leadership skills, making him a standout player.
Key Highlights from High School:
- Led Montverde Academy to multiple victories against top-ranked teams
- Averaged double-digit points with outstanding rebounding and defensive stats
- Won multiple MVP titles in high school tournaments
- Recognized as a five-star recruit and a top-ranked player in his class
College Basketball Journey
Flagg committed to Duke University, one of the most prestigious basketball programs in NCAA history. As a freshman, he quickly became a vital player for the Blue Devils, helping them compete for the ACC Championship and securing a strong position in March Madness.
Cooper Flagg’s 2024-25 Season Stats (Projected):
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Points per Game | 19.4 |
| Rebounds per Game | 7.6 |
| Assists per Game | 4.2 |
| Field Goal % | 49.4% |
| Three-Point % | 37.7% |
| Free Throw % | 81.2% |
These numbers highlight why Flagg is a leading contender for the Wooden Award, given to the best player in college basketball.
Playing Style & Strengths
Cooper Flagg is known for his versatile playing style. He can dominate inside the paint, shoot from long range, and defend multiple positions.
Strengths:
✅ Elite Scoring Ability – Can score at all three levels (inside, mid-range, three-point)
✅ Strong Defensive Presence – Blocks shots, steals the ball, and shuts down opponents
✅ High Basketball IQ – Makes smart plays and reads defenses effectively
✅ Great Rebounding Skills – Excellent at grabbing boards and initiating fast breaks
✅ Leadership on Court – Plays with confidence and motivates teammates
Injury Update: Will Cooper Flagg Play in the ACC Semifinals?
During the ACC Tournament quarterfinals, Flagg suffered a left ankle injury against Georgia Tech. He was taken off the court in the first half, causing concern among Duke fans and bettors. Initially, ESPN reported that he was wheeled off in a wheelchair, raising fears of a serious injury.
However, Flagg returned to the bench in the second half without a wheelchair, indicating that the injury might not be severe. Duke head coach Jon Scheyer later confirmed that Flagg had suffered an ankle sprain and that X-rays were negative.
Will he play in the semifinals against UNC?
🔹 Coach Scheyer stated that Flagg’s chances of playing are very slim.
🔹 Medical staff will monitor his condition, and a final decision will be made before the game.
How Did Cooper Flagg’s Injury Affect Duke’s Betting Odds?
Sportsbooks immediately reacted to Flagg’s injury:
🔹 FanDuel moved Duke’s March Madness odds to +700, placing them behind Auburn (+310), Houston (+650), and Florida (+650).
🔹 BetMGM adjusted Duke’s odds from +325 to +375, with Auburn leading at +325.
If Flagg misses the next game, Duke could face a tough challenge against UNC, a team that will capitalize on his absence.
NBA Draft & Future Prospects
With his incredible skill set and dominant performances, Flagg is widely projected to be a top pick in the NBA Draft. Scouts and analysts believe he has the potential to be a franchise-changing player, similar to NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum.
Why Cooper Flagg is a Future NBA Superstar:
⭐ Elite scorer and defender – Can impact both ends of the court
⭐ NBA-ready physique – Tall, athletic, and strong
⭐ Exceptional work ethic – Constantly improving his game
⭐ High basketball IQ – Makes smart plays under pressure
Conclusion
Cooper Flagg is undoubtedly one of the brightest young talents in basketball today. Whether he returns for Duke’s next game or prepares for the NBA, his future looks incredibly promising. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he continues his journey toward basketball greatness.
Stay tuned for more updates on Cooper Flagg’s injury, stats, and future prospects!