Duke Faces Louisville in ACC Final Without Injured Star Cooper Flagg

Projected NBA top pick Cooper Flagg ruled out for ACC championship but expected to return for NCAA tournament.

Duke's Cooper Flagg, the ACC Player of the Year, is sidelined for the ACC championship with a sprained ankle sustained in the quarterfinals.
Despite Flagg's absence, Duke remains favored against Louisville, having defeated them earlier this season 76-65.
NCAA officials confirmed Flagg is expected to recover in time for the NCAA tournament, preserving Duke's prospects for a deep run.
Louisville, seeking its first ACC tournament title since joining the conference in 2014, is led by senior guard Chucky Hepburn, who will need a strong performance to challenge Duke.
The ACC championship winner will earn an automatic NCAA tournament bid, though Duke is projected to secure a top seed regardless of the outcome.