Duke star Zion Williamson has missed three games since his freak injury during a game against North Carolina. Some were hopeful that Zion Williamson would play Tuesday (March 5) against Wake Forest, but he did not. Williamson is still recovering from a right knee sprain. NCAA insiders believe that Williamson will not be returning for the North Carolina rematch this weekend, but Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said that Zion Williamson will be back for the ACC tournament. Duke ended up losing to North Carolina after Williamson got hurt. However, they managed to survive without him, beating Syracuse and Miami, and then barely losing against Virginia Tech.

Virginia serious threat as Duke fights for seeding

Virginia has distanced itself by sitting atop the ACC with a 15-2 conference record. However, the Cavaliers losses both came from the Duke Blue Devils. Virginia will play Louisville on Saturday (March 9) and will be finishing right before Duke and North Carolina tip off their season finale matchup.

North Carolina will head to Boston College. Boston College lost its previous game against Virginia this season. Duke has a chance of winning the ACC title, with some aid from Louisville, this weekend. Williamson was said to be in the final phase of recovery and was ruled out for a return for Tuesday's game.

Duke is hoping for Williamson to return quickly

The expected two-to-three week recovery from his knee sprain, puts him in line for a return to play in the rematch against North Carolina. This has been believed to be Duke and Williamson's goal since the injury, and Duke will be at full strength for their important rematch as they fight for a top seed in the NCAA tournament.

Beating North Carolina could help with that goal, but the team also needs to do well in the ACC tournament.

Coach K said that they are focused on getting Williamson in shape and that he's getting more confidence. Duke is definitely a different team without Williamson, but the Blue Devils are using this stretch as a proving ground.

I also want to share some reasons why I hate Duke basketball and why people should join me. Duke's Cam Reddish said that the team needed these losses, so they stay humble. He also said that he hopes Williamson returns, but if he doesn't, Duke is a team full of fighters and can carry on as a team despite a major set back. Time will tell if Williamson can help the team during the AAC tournament.
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