For The Betting Man, TAR HEEL BLUE

Just in time to lend added juice to Wednesday’s rivalry game between Duke and North Carolina: Their steps forward to Nos. 2 and 3 in the ESPN/USA Today coaches’ poll.

No. 2 Duke (19-1) was ranked 11th in the preseason poll but has made steady progress — 10th, to eighth, to seventh, to fifth, to third — in the rankings in the last six weeks. The Blue Devils also are 7-0 in the ACC standings, a half-game ahead of No. 3 North Carolina (21-1, 6-1). The two meet in Chapel Hill on Wednesday.

The kicker, now, if you are going to bet this game, watch Tar Heels pointguard Ty Lawson. He was injured in UNC’s overtime win last night at Florida State. Roy Williams said of his all American point guard that he would not know his status until after practice Tuesday. Quick tip to all of you sports bettors out there…find out about Lawson’s status. I assume that UNC will be favored but without Lawson they are a whole different team. He makes that team run up and down the court and without him I think they will have some trouble scoring in the half court. So check his status and if he plays bet the Tar Heels!