Duke and Virginia Tech open up ACC play on Saturday, in what should be an intriguing game. The Blue Devils will be without their star Grayson Allen, who has been suspended for his latest tripping incident, this time against Elon.

Can Duke hold the fort down without its second leading scorer -- on the road in Blacksburg, Virginia no less? We'll learn a lot about both teams this weekend.

Here's how you can catch the game, both on TV and streaming online, along with picks for the game and key matchups to watch.

Viewing information

When: Noon ET, Saturday

Where: Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Virginia

TV: ESPN2

Live stream (desktop): WatchESPN.com

Live stream (mobile): Watch ESPN app

Scouting report

As noted, Duke will be without Allen in this one. But it's not the first time this season they've played without him -- and so far, they've been just fine.

Duke is in the midst of integrating Jayson Tatum and Harry Giles -- their top freshmen -- back into the lineup after missing time earlier this season with injury. Meanwhile, in Allen's absence, Luke Kennard will likely shoulder the load. That's nothing new for him. He's averaging 20.4 points per game this season to lead Duke and has been the top player through non-conference play.

Virginia Tech has a slightly different style of play than Duke, ranking 74th nationally in adjusted tempo in Div. I. The Hokies rely on the defense to win them games, holding opponents to under 70 points per game with it's top-60 defense in terms of efficiency. Buzz Williams' team will be looking to muck the game up and slow it down to its pace on their home floor.

Matchup to watch

With Allen out, Kennard will get the lion's share of attention. But since Tatum's return, he has continually improved in each game. And this could be his chance to break out on a big stage with more scoring opportunities available.

Virginia Tech has several options to put on Tatum, who has an advantage with his size and athleticism that makes it difficult to defend him from the perimeter. The Hokies may be able to throw their experienced junior Justin Bibbs on him to shadow him. At 6-foot-6, Bibbs has the size and length to at least match up well on paper.

As for Virginia Tech, Zach LeDay is having a senior year to remember -- averaging 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds this season. LeDay is a versatile 6-7 forward who has an excellent mid-range game and can muscle his way down low. Duke's talent in the frontcourt with Amile Jefferson, Tatum and Giles could give him fits should he try and attack the lane. That's where he's been most effective this season.

Odds and pick

SportsLine odds: Duke -4

Sportsline projection: Duke 78, Virginia Tech 75

Pick: Virginia Tech +4

Duke is clearly the more talented team. However I'm not totally confident picking them to blow the Hokies out on their home floor -- and without it's second leading scorer. I think Virginia Tech covers at home and keeps it interesting to the end.