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It was supposed to be an epic battle between two one-and-done NBA-level talents at the Mecca.

Instead, we’ll see just one likely 2026 lottery pick, Cameron Boozer, lead No. 5 Duke against No. 24 Kansas, who will be without Darryn Peterson, the projected No. 1 overall pick in June’s draft.

These two college basketball blue bloods will face off in the State Farm Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.

The Blue Devils enter as double-digit favorites at most books over the Jayhawks, since Peterson’s hamstring injury news was announced.

Duke features a solid blend of freshmen and upperclassmen, with returning rotation pieces Caleb Foster and Isaiah Evans at guard, along with fellow Boozer twin, Cayden.

Cameron is coming off his best game in blue and white, a career-high 35 point,12 rebound outing, albeit against Indiana State, last Friday. He is joined up front by Patrick Ngongba II and Maliq Brown.

The 6-foot-9 Boozer fits the mold of previous versatile Duke standouts Paolo Banchero and Jalen Johnson. He has incredible size, strength, and playmaking skills, and can also shoot the three-ball better than his dad, Carlos.

A certain team in Brooklyn may have their eyes glued to Boozer on Tuesday, as will other pro scouts.

With all the change at the college level, only one player, key shot blocker Flory Bidunga, has returned for Bill Self’s Jayhawks. The question is, who on the Kansas offense will supplant Peterson’s nightly average of 21.5 points?

Illinois transfer Tre White will have his number called, and former St. Bonaventure standout Melvin Council Jr. can have a homecoming for the ages.

Something about neutral court and two storied programs makes for a competitive game.

My gut tells me to lay Duke on the spread straight up, but instead, I’m eyeing the Blue Devils’ first-half point total of 37.5.

Jon Scheyer’s balanced offense has eclipsed 95 points or more in three straight outings. Duke’s full-game point total at most books checks in around 79 to 80, indicating oddsmakers feel the lights of MSG may bring in some jitters.

However, this is game two of a doubleheader; as is typically the case, the energy from the first contest carries over into the nightcap, boosting offenses early.

I’m favoring Duke’s offense to go over in the first half and, in addition, cover a second-half spread of 5.5.

Self will have his team prepared and ready; however, Peterson’s absence will loom large in the latter stages of the game when a bucket is needed.

The Plays: Duke Total First Half Points 37.5 Over (-125, DraftKings) + Duke Second Half Spread -5.5 (-104, FanDuel)

Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.