Duke's Matt Jones, Derryck Thornton expected to play vs. FSU
Duke's backcourt should be at full strength on Thursday night against Florida State. During Monday's ACC teleconference, Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said he expects both Matt Jones and Derryck Thornton Jr. to be able to play against the Seminoles.
Jones, a co-captain and returning starer, injured his ankle in the first half during last week's win against North Carolina. He did not play on Saturday against Louisville, joining senior forward Amile Jefferson on the bench and leaving the Blue Devils with an even thinner rotation.
Thornton, the freshman point guard, suffered a shoulder injury midway through the second half against the Cardinals when he collided with Chinanu Onuaku. He as able to return, and came up with a pair of big shots in Duke's comeback attempt, which ultimately fell short as Louisville defeated the Blue Devils in the rematch, 71-64.
Jones is one of five Blue Devils to average double figures, posting 11.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Thornton is averaging 8.0 points and 2.6 assists a contest.
(h/t News & Observer)
“Matt is doing much better. Derryck is sore, but there is no structural damage to his shoulder,” Krzyzewski said. “I would expect both of those kids to play on Thursday.”
