news-record.com

Seventh-ranked Duke will be short-handed when it travels to No. 2 North Carolina this weekend.

Coach Mike Krzyzewski said Friday point guard Nolan Smith will miss Sunday's game as he continues to deal with a mild concussion suffered at Maryland last week. Krzyzewski also said junior forward Lance Thomas is uncertain due to a sprained ankle suffered against Florida State on Tuesday.

However, 7-foot-1 junior Brian Zoubek will play despite a broken nose suffered against the Seminoles.

The Blue Devils' injury situation is another variable in the latest installment of the rivalry. North Carolina (26-3, 12-3 ACC) has clinched a share of the league title and will win it outright by beating the Blue Devils (25-5, 11-4) for a second time this season.

"Look, that's your hand, let's play it and try to win with it," Krzyzewski said during a news conference. "That's why I don't do a lot with injuries (publicly). I don't want any excuses."

Smith has missed the past two games and has not been practicing, though the Blue Devils can play Jon Scheyer and Greg Paulus at the point. Thomas' health could be a bigger problem considering Duke doesn't have as much depth on the interior, an area the Tar Heels have an advantage with reigning national player of the year Tyler Hansbrough.