Washington, who missed the Tar Heels’ loss at Pitt with a knee sprain, practiced in the days leading up to the UNC (13-9, 6-4 ACC) game against the Blue Devils (18-2, 10-0 ACC). The 6-foot-10 center sprained his left knee in UNC’s overtime win against Boston College on Jan. 25.

Washington had 18 points and six rebounds against the Eagles. The Tar Heels outrebounded the Panthers by 10, but UNC could use Washington’s 6-foot-10, 235-pound frame against Duke, which has the tallest roster in the nation.

In Washington’s absence, UNC went to a four-guard lineup at Pitt. Ven-Allen Lubin replaced Washington in the starting lineup, joining RJ Davis, Seth Trimble, Elliot Cadeau and Ian Jackson. Washington hasn’t played much against Duke in his two-plus seasons, but his rim protection and rebounding will be key for UNC against the Blue Devils.