CHAPEL HILL — In a season that has seen eight different North Carolina players miss at least one game because of injury, it wasn’t all that surprising to learn that two Tar Heels – Deon Thompson (sore back) and Will Graves (who has been in a walking boot because of a sprained ankle) -- are hobbling entering Saturday’s game at No. 4 Duke.
Coach Roy Williams said he is hopeful that both will play, although it will be a game-time decision.
But Thompson – who has never missed a game, and missed the first practice of his career Thursday – said there’s no question about his status, even if he’s hurting: “I’ll play tomorrow.”
If he does, it will mark his 146th game as a Tar Heel, surpassing the mark set by Danny Green last season. Thompson is 3-0 for his career at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at 
Comments
Not sure why...
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 11:38 — Heels20...but I have a good feeling about tonight. One thing that gets overlooked is that this team is capable of making things happen when they play with heart. I'm looking forward to this one.
HOLES-20!!
Sun, 03/07/2010 - 16:34 — bluecat69bluecat69HOW U FEELING NOW THAT YOUR TEAM TOOK A GOOD A-S KICKING FROM THE WONDERFUL TALANTED DUKE BLUEDEVILS, HOPE WE PLAY U AGAIN IN ACC TOURNMENT , WHICH WILL BE ANOTHER A-S KICKING, GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hope springs eternal ...
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 17:42 — gvillegatron gameday. the game is going to get played tonight no matter. that is why hopes are high. I feel the same way.
For your sake...
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 15:29 — JPDOhioI hope you have better luck with your feelings than I usually have.
CARAWHINA FANS!!!
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 09:45 — bluecat69bluecat69I SEE WHERE U BOYS HAVE ALREADY GOT YOUR EXCUSES LINED UP FOR THE A-S KICKING U ARE GOING TO GET TONIGHT, THATS WHY THEY CALL U BOYS ''CARAWHINA, GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHINE, WHINE, WHINE, WHINE WHINE.
I love gameday!
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 08:58 — gvillegatrand i'm not talking aout that crap on the tv set. just gameday in general. big games. headed out for some golf and beers. ya'll have a good day!
g-alligator
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 09:47 — bluecat69bluecat69U BETTER SAVE SOME OF THAT BEER FOR TONIGHT, I GOT A FEELING, U ARE GOING TO NEED IT, OK, GO DUKE!!
Duke vs Carolina
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 01:13 — colvenjdI have to hand it to Roy, he is trying to play the old injury bug crap before the game with Duke. Carolina might win on sheer will, but don't think for a minute that Graves or Thompson will miss a minute. Roy hopes and prays to not be one of very few coaches to post a NCAA win followed by a 'No Postseason'.
Possibly...
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 10:40 — Heels20...but I don't think that's the case. Deon had to go to the locker room Tuesday night for his back and Graves has been in a walking boot. I'm not saying Roy isn't trying to overplay it as a coaching strategy, but it is evident that the players are actually hurt.
You know the old adage
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 09:37 — JPDOhioWounded animals are the most dangerous.
One would think that UNC would have no chance tonight, what with all of their problems this year and key players either out or not 100%. But crazy things happen under those conditions all the time.
So I'm not ruling out an upset tonight. In fact, surprisingly enough, I would enjoy it.
UNLESS
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 00:37 — TheMambaSTRIKESUNLESS Dook has Singler /Scheyer shooting 30% bricks like they did at College Park....
Roy's dysfunctional boys should end this Penthouse to Outhouse regular ACC schedule... folding like an accordian in front of the DOOK crazies.....
-NO Backcourt
-NO Shooters
-NO Thugs
A little help for your writing ability...
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 10:37 — Heels20...synonyms for dysfunctional: Incompetent, hopeless, inept. Please throw some variety in there, Dick.
hey dick
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 08:55 — gvillegatrno matter what happens, UNC is not finishing in last place.
so, please, come up with another slogan. you're awful witty so i'm sure you'll hvae one in place by lunch time.
What other key players are left for UNC?
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 00:32 — jeromfitzThey have fabolous freshmen recruits available to maybe show Duke up on their home court. It's always like a boxing match to me when I'm trying to knock the opponent out before they see you coming. I think UNC can win the this difficult away game with good smart playing defense and prove to the NCAA Committee that they belong in the Tournament also as the 64th. It was difficult schedule but Carolina lost stride in the new year with streaking loses that need a shot caller to answer the bell when the game look so bleak. It will be another hot contest if Carolina control themselves and make it happen.
t-24 hrs
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 21:28 — unc098I suspect the injuries will not keep these two on the bench for this game.
Keys:
Drew 2 has to keep his turnovers below 3 for the game and hits some outside shots.Team as a whole under 10.
Heels need to play aggressive smart Defense from the beginning and not let Duke get into an offensive rhythem.That means keeping the perimeter position and refraining from leaving your man open on the perimeter on the drive and dish. Flex zone might work.
Crash the boards on every shot and take the rebound advantage.
Take good shots and play a solid half court game keeping the score low. ( under 70 )
Play with intensity for 40 minutes.
Ginyard and Thompson need to play the game of their careers.
Leave everything on the court and play with confidence. There is nothing to lose.
Heels need to shoot over 49% for the game
hurry up already
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 21:11 — gvillegatrlets get it on!~
This is the freshmen's game..
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 21:09 — UNC1998to win or lose. All you really ask of Drew is to not turn the ball over. Thompson is Thompson. You'd like to see Davis have a big game. UNC should be able to flex a little on the inside. The key will be perimeter defense. Limit Duke's long range success to keep the game in reach (for both teams). I'm thinking a close one. I guess we'll see. I just hope this old 35 year old can stay up long enough to see the end (laugh).
UNC-98!!
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 09:41 — bluecat69bluecat69DONT FORGET YOUR BLUEDEVIL TIGHTS, OK, GO DUKE!!!
Won't be at the game.
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 10:32 — UNC1998Going to a party.
UNC-98-AKA LOSER!!!
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 14:18 — bluecat69bluecat69is it a"PITTY PARTY"? DONT FORGET YOUR BLUEDEVIL TIGHTS, OK, GO DUKE!!!!!!!
Location
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 12:14 — SurferGood, I hope it moves to Franklin Street.
Davis
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 21:22 — gvillegatrhe's not playing. his poor little wrist hurts from where he tried to hit Willy Graves.
Walking wounded
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 15:35 — SurferKind of hard to keep up with all of these injuries this season. I know; whaa, whaa, whaa. But, hey, add in the youth (lack of poise, defense and lots of turnovers) and this season is what you get. Sort of makes the next two or three years a little more optimistic.
As far as Sat. goes, if Deon and Will can't produce big numbers, then someone else must. That is to even have a chance though.
Perspective
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 19:31 — heelsno1Source: Wikipedia...
Largest Victory UNC: 37 points (1921)
Duke: 35 points (1964)
All-time Series UNC leads 130-98
ACC Regular Season Championships
North Carolina - 27 (1st)
Duke - 18 (2nd)
ACC Tournament Championships
Duke - 17 (T-1st)
North Carolina - 17 (T-1st)
Men's Basketball National Success
NCAA Final Fours
North Carolina - 18 (1st all-time)
Duke - 14 (3rd all-time)
NCAA Tournament Championships
North Carolina - 5 (tied for 3rd all-time)
Duke - 3 (tied for 5th all-time
Completely agree
Fri, 03/05/2010 - 17:35 — Heels20Graves' 3 ball will be crucial.