The hype machine is in full swing as the first round of the Duke versus North Carolina game is upon us.  Cameron Indoor Stadium will be at a fever pitch when the two teams collide just after 9:00 on what will be a cool February night.

The anticipation starts early for this game and for good reason, it is quite simply the best rivalry in all of college basketball.  For that reason, this game is on many fans bucket lists, including the likes of former President of the United States, Barack Obama who is slated to attend.

Obama will be joined by several other celebrities whose names will be released as the day goes on.  But that begs the question, is this the most hyped game in the series?

Well, that is a tough question at least with concern to on the court theatrics aka, a good game.  But with ESPN installing cable cameras above the student section and the elaborate coverage they will provide, the hype is undeniable.

Perhaps it has a lot to do with Zion mania as well.  I mean, he is an attraction of the highest level, seemingly destined to be the top p[ick in the NBA Draft this June.

But Duke is so much more.  R.J. Barrett could have a better career than Zion Williamson.  Regardless of who obtains down the road success, it is rare that the top two freshmen in college hoops play on the same team.

Heck, Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett could be not only the best freshmen duo in college basketball but simply the two top players.  Considering tickets are now up to three thousand dollars says a lot as well.

If you have not figured it out by now, this year's Duke team could be special.  But to imprint the word special, it will take a win over its eight miles down the road rival, North Carolina.

Duke can go a long way in securing a bid for the regular season should they win in Cameron tonight.  But history shows us that underestimating the underdog in this series has dire consequences.

The strength of the Tar Heels this season is that they have a good mix of balance between talented newcomers and veterans.  Duke, on the other hand, has a couple of players who have ever seen action against their rival.

A key for Duke will be to contain or push the UNC shooters off the three-point stripe.  And even then, good defensive help is a necessity in that the Heels are the kings of the backdoor cuts.

Both Duke and North Carolina are similar in that they have a core contingent that plays the majority of the minutes,  But in this series, teams which win are always aided by unexpected higher levels of play from the bench or supporting cast.

Duke has been on a roll of late, but the Tar Heels are hot as well.  North Carolina has won 12 of their last 14 games and is ranked 8th in the nation, with a home win over Gonzaga which beat Duke.  The Blue Devils have won nine consecutive contests.

Both teams are fighting for top seeds and a bump in the ACC standings.  To obtain the coveted number one seed in the NCAA Tournament, this feels like a must-win for both teams.

The Blue Devils play the Tar Heels twice in the last six games and travel to Syracuse and Virginia Tech next week.  In short, that means they need to protect Coach K Court in Cameron with a victory., Both teams are almost locked in for a top-four seed in the ACC Tournament which earns rest for accomplishments.

Both Duke and North Carolina enjoy pushing the pace, so many are expecting a high scoring game.  While it is true that these are two of the best offenses in the country, it will likely be some key defensive plays which dictate the winner.

DUKE 87 North Carolina 76