Good question.
Probably a little of both.
I just think there is a great value in playing in tough conference games every once in a while. I have no idea how Duke will respond against really good competition, as they will go through their 20 game conference schedule and ACC tourney without that testing, in my opinion. Maybe Clemson plays well this week, I don't know. All I can base Duke on is their results against UK, KU, and Auburn. Tough to glean anything from what is going on against ACC competition.
How that shakes out in March is anybody's guess.