Duke vs. NC State: Injury Report

Tonight is the highly anticipated rematch of the Duke Blue Devils (19-2, 6-2 ACC) and the North Carolina State Wolfpack (16-6, 5-4 ACC). The Wolfpack upset then then #1 Blue Devils a few weeks ago in Raleigh, but now they will travel up to Durham and play the Blue Devils with the Cameron Crazies.

Jan 12, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack forward C.J. Leslie (5) drives around Duke Blue Devils guard Quinn Cook (2) as Wolfpack guard Lorenzo Brown (2) sets a pick during the first half at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

For Duke two injuries will affect their strategy against NC State.

Ryan Kelly has been out since January 16th with a foot injury he suffered against Clemson. The injury was sustained on the 8th of January and on the 16th, Kelly was listed as out indefinitely until further details regarding his injuries were conclusive.

It appears that Kelly will more than likely return at some point this year, but odds are it won’t be during the regular season. The ACC Tournament or NCAA Tournament seems to be the ideal date for Kelly’s return, but if he does return before the regular season ends, he probably will only see limited action on the injured foot.

Duke will also more than likely be playing without Josh Hairston who is listed as doubtful. Hairston sustained an infection in his right arm from a scratch he got when the Blue Devils defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on January 30th. He will more than likely return Saturday against Boston College.

North Carolina State’s Lorenzo Brown is still listed as questionable for the Wolfpack tonight against Duke. He has been out of action since February 3rd with a strained left ankle. More than likely Brown will see the court at some point especially if State it down to the Blue Devils, however it seems Rodney Purvis will start in Brown’s place again.