BREAKING: Duke Blue Devils Fears As starting guard in danger of missing Saturday night game against FSU and Likely to miss the entire season
The Leonard Hamilton era at Florida State is nearing its conclusion, with just three games left in the Seminoles’ 2024-25 season. After falling short on Monday, FSU aims to rebound in a crucial road matchup against Duke on Saturday night.
Injuries are a major storyline for both teams heading into the game. Florida State’s star forward Malique Ewin suffered a lower-body injury in the recent loss to North Carolina. He attempted to return after getting hurt early in the second half but was ultimately unable to continue.
Hamilton provided a brief update postgame, though Ewin’s availability for Saturday remains uncertain. “He didn’t turn his ankle, but I can’t give a real assessment. There’s some soreness in his foot, and I’m sure they’ll do an MRI tomorrow. He tried to go back in,” Hamilton said.
Duke is also dealing with an injury concern, as standout guard Tyrese Proctor exited the team’s win over Miami earlier this week with a knee issue. Head coach Jon Scheyer later revealed on his radio show that Proctor suffered a bone bruise. While there’s no set timeline for his return, he is expected to play again this season. However, given the recent nature of the injury, his status for Saturday remains uncertain.
Proctor has been a key contributor for Duke, ranking as the team’s third-leading scorer. He has started all 28 games, averaging 11.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 29.1 minutes per contest. His best performances came in February when he recorded a season-high 23 points twice.
Even without Proctor, Duke boasts plenty of talent, headlined by projected No. 1 NBA Draft pick Cooper Flagg. In what is likely his lone season in Durham, Flagg is averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.
Florida State and Duke are set to tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET on the ACC Network.