Duke Basketball Schedule 2024-25: Top 5 Non-Conference Games

Duke basketball starts the 2024-25 season with domestic games against Maine and Army. The Duke basketball schedule features key matchups such as Kentucky at the State Farm Champions Classic, as well as games against Arizona, Kansas, and Auburn. They will also face Illinois at Madison Square Garden in February.

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Ranked No. 9, Duke has high hopes with new star recruit Cooper Flagg and returning players Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster. Transfers Mason Gillis, Maliq Brown, and Sion James add to their strong roster. The full Duke basketball schedule, including the ACC games, will be released later.

1. 1. Kansas vs. Duke: Vegas Showdown

When: November 26, 2024 | Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

Kansas starts the season as a top contender and is ranked No. 1 by Gary Parrish. After a surprising early exit from last year’s NCAA Tournament, they’ve strengthened their roster with transfers AJ Storr, Rylan Griffen, and Zeke Mayo, plus top freshmen Flory Bidunga and Rakease Passmore. Key returnees include Hunter Dickinson, KJ Adams Jr., and Dajuan Harris Jr. This game against Duke is expected to be a major highlight of the season, with both teams likely in the top five rankings.

2. Duke vs. Arizona

When: November 21, 2024 | Where: McKale Center, Tucson

Duke faces Arizona inside the 2nd part of their home-and-home series. Last season, Arizona beat Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium. This year, Caleb Love returns for the Wildcats, who lost four starters but have added transfers Trey Townsend, Tobe Awaka, and Anthony Dell’Orso, plus freshman Carter Bryant. Watch for standout performances from Jaden Bradley and KJ Lewis.

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3. Duke vs. Kentucky (Champions Classic)

When: November 12, 2024 | Where: State Farm Arena, Atlanta

This game marks a new chapter for Kentucky basketball. John Calipari, who left for Arkansas, has been changed by means of Mark Pope, a former Kentucky player. The Wildcats have a fresh roster with new faces like Jaxson Robinson, Amari Williams, and Lamont Butler, amongst others. This matchup will be a key early-season highlight.

4. Duke vs. Illinois

When: February 22, 2025 | Where: Madison Square Garden, New York

In February, Duke will face Illinois at Madison Square Garden. Illinois lost key players but has added top recruits like Will Riley and Morez Johnson, along with transfers Kylan Boswell and Carey Booth. This game is a rare treat, as nonconference matchups in February are becoming less common due to conference changes.

5. Duke vs. Auburn (ACC/SEC Challenge)

When: December 4, 2024 | Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham

Duke will host Auburn in the ACC/SEC Challenge. Auburn, which had an early exit from last 12 months’s NCAA Tournament, has delivered transfers Miles Kelly and JP Pegues, and returns standout Johni Broome. Freshman Tahaad Pettiford also joins the team. Playing at Cameron Indoor Stadium will be a big test for Auburn before they start SEC play.

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Duke’s 2024-25 Nonconference Schedule Highlights