For the Blue Devils’ home finale against Wake Forest, Duke basketball receives positive injury news.

As the regular season neared its final stretch, Duke Blue Devils basketball found themselves preparing for a pivotal home game against Wake Forest. This game would be their home finale of the 2024-2025 season at the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium—a place filled with history, tradition, and a raucous student section known as the Cameron Crazies. For Duke, a program that has been a perennial powerhouse in college basketball, every game carries significance, but this one had extra weight. With the NCAA Tournament looming, Duke was positioning itself for a strong finish, hoping to secure a top seed in March Madness.

However, what made this home finale even more important wasn’t just the upcoming postseason or the rivalry with Wake Forest—it was the significant injury news that surfaced ahead of the game. Duke had been battling injuries all season long, and the uncertainty surrounding the health of several key players had created some tension and concern for the coaching staff and fans alike. But just days before the game against Wake Forest, Duke basketball received a wave of positive injury updates that would play a crucial role in shaping their lineup and their chances for the rest of the season.

In this article, we’ll explore the injury news, the implications for the Blue Devils, the impact on their home finale against Wake Forest, and how this sets the stage for the team heading into the NCAA Tournament.

Injury Concerns Throughout the Season

From the start of the 2024-2025 season, Duke basketball had been plagued by a number of injuries to key players. The team had struggled to find consistent rotations at times, with several key contributors missing games or playing through injuries. As is often the case with elite programs, the weight of such injuries can sometimes be minimized by the depth of talent on the roster, but Duke had still experienced disruptions to their lineup that affected their flow and rhythm.

Among the most notable injuries that had plagued the Blue Devils were issues with Tyler Young, a dynamic guard who had been sidelined with a recurring knee issue, and Ryan Gregory, a highly touted freshman forward whose ankle injury kept him out for an extended period of time. While these injuries hadn’t completely derailed Duke’s season, they certainly made things difficult at times, especially in the middle of the conference schedule when the Blue Devils had to face tough ACC opponents.

The injury news going into the game against Wake Forest, however, brought a sense of relief. The updates were positive, with two of the team’s most important players, including a key veteran and a freshman sensation, set to return to the lineup after being sidelined for a significant amount of time.

Positive Injury Updates: Tyler Young and Ryan Gregory Return

Perhaps the most significant of the injury news was the return of Tyler Young, the senior guard who had been out for a few weeks due to a knee injury. Young’s injury had been a source of concern, especially given his importance as one of Duke’s most experienced and versatile players. Known for his ability to score, pass, and lead the team on both ends of the floor, Young’s presence had been sorely missed during his absence. With March Madness on the horizon, his return was an absolute boost for Duke’s chances of making a deep tournament run.

Young’s rehabilitation had been progressing well, and after a series of successful practices, he was cleared to return for the home finale against Wake Forest. The news was met with excitement and relief from Duke’s coaching staff and players alike. Young’s leadership, basketball IQ, and ability to contribute in clutch moments would be invaluable as Duke looked to lock in their positioning for the NCAA Tournament. His return also provided the Blue Devils with the depth and flexibility needed to compete at the highest level.

Equally important was the return of freshman forward Ryan Gregory, who had been dealing with an ankle injury that had kept him out of several games. Gregory had been one of Duke’s most promising young players, showcasing tremendous potential as a versatile forward with the ability to shoot, rebound, and defend at a high level. His injury had been a setback for the Blue Devils, but Gregory’s recovery had been swift, and he was expected to be available for the Wake Forest game.

For Duke, the return of Gregory provided a much-needed boost in terms of both offensive and defensive depth. The freshman’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, combined with his athleticism and energy, made him a key piece of Duke’s rotation. Gregory’s return allowed Duke to play a more versatile brand of basketball and increased their chances of dominating the paint and defending the perimeter with added depth.

Impact on Duke’s Lineup for Wake Forest

With Young and Gregory both back in the fold, Duke’s lineup against Wake Forest took on a much stronger look. The Blue Devils were now at full strength for the first time in several weeks, and their depth—something that had been tested throughout the season—was on full display. This gave Duke the ability to rotate players in and out of the lineup more effectively and to execute their game plan with greater precision.

The return of Tyler Young was especially crucial for Duke in the backcourt. His ability to run the offense and act as a primary ball handler freed up Duke’s other guards, particularly freshman Cooper Flagg, who had stepped into a bigger role during Young’s absence. Flagg, one of the most highly touted freshmen in the country, had shown his ability to take over games, but having Young back in the mix allowed Flagg to focus more on his scoring and defensive responsibilities without the added pressure of being the primary ball handler. The two guards complemented each other well, with Young’s experience and Flagg’s dynamic playmaking ability forming a potent backcourt duo.

The return of Ryan Gregory, meanwhile, added versatility to the forward positions. Gregory’s ability to play both inside and outside allowed Duke to adapt to different matchups. He was able to stretch the floor and hit perimeter shots, which opened up space in the paint for players like Jonny Pendergast and Eli Owen to operate more freely. His presence on the defensive end also gave Duke a much-needed shot-blocking presence, while his agility allowed him to switch on screens and guard multiple positions.

With all hands on deck, Duke’s lineup against Wake Forest was as formidable as it had been all season. Head coach Jon Scheyer now had a deeper rotation at his disposal, and his ability to mix and match players in different combinations created a sense of excitement and anticipation heading into the home finale.

The Importance of the Wake Forest Game

While Duke’s health was undoubtedly a major storyline heading into the game, the Wake Forest matchup itself was crucial for more than just securing a win at home. Duke was fighting for a strong seeding in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, and finishing the regular season strong was key to locking in a top seed. The Blue Devils were already in contention for a top-four seed in the tournament, but a loss to Wake Forest could have jeopardized that position.

The game against Wake Forest was also significant for Duke’s ACC standings. The Blue Devils were still battling with Virginia for the top spot in the conference, and winning the home finale would ensure that Duke finished in a strong position in the standings. The ACC was once again one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, and Duke wanted to maintain their momentum heading into the postseason.

The atmosphere in Cameron Indoor Stadium was electric as fans eagerly anticipated what promised to be an exciting game. With the return of Tyler Young and Ryan Gregory, Duke felt as though they had the firepower necessary to close out their home schedule in style and build confidence heading into March Madness.

The Game Against Wake Forest

As expected, the game against Wake Forest was a competitive one. The Blue Devils came out with intensity, knowing the stakes were high. Tyler Young made an immediate impact, scoring early and setting the tone with his leadership. Ryan Gregory also made his presence felt, contributing with key rebounds and a couple of timely three-pointers that stretched the defense.

Cooper Flagg, who had been playing at an All-American level throughout the season, continued to shine. The freshman sensation scored 22 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and added 5 assists, playing a major role in Duke’s offensive attack. His chemistry with Young was evident, as the two guards frequently found each other in transition and on fast breaks. The combination of Flagg’s dynamic play and Young’s veteran leadership proved to be a perfect pairing.

As the game wore on, Duke’s depth and defensive prowess took control. Eli Owen, Pendergast, and Gregory all made significant contributions on both ends of the floor, pushing Duke to a commanding lead. The Blue Devils’ defense was stifling, forcing Wake Forest into tough shots and controlling the tempo. In the end, Duke won the game comfortably, 84-68, securing a crucial victory to close out their regular season at home.

Looking Ahead: March Madness and the NCAA Tournament

With the victory over Wake Forest, Duke wrapped up their home schedule on a high note, and the positive injury news surrounding Young and Gregory was a huge boost to the team’s confidence heading into the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils had regained full strength, and they were poised to make a deep run in March Madness.

As they prepare for the postseason, Duke’s health will be a key factor in their success. With the return of key players, the Blue Devils are now more dangerous than ever, and their chances of making a run at a national title look brighter than ever. As they head into the tournament, the Blue Devils are not just a team to watch—they are a team with the potential to win it all.

For Cooper Flagg, Tyler Young, Ryan Gregory, and the rest of the Blue Devils, this final home game against Wake Forest marked the end of an important chapter. But for Duke basketball, the real journey is just beginning.