The No. 18 Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0) will travel to Portland to battle the No. 15 Michigan State Spartans (3-1) Thursday at 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Alabama vs. Michigan State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
While Alabama has won its first 4 games by an average of 27.25 points, the Crimson Tide have played the likes of Logwood, Liberty, South Alabama, and Jacksonville State. As Alabama moves into its season and starts playing more challenging opponents in the SEC, the losses will come and the ability for the Tide to bounce back will be tested. This more challenging schedule starts Thursday against an already challenged Michigan State team.
As usual, coach Tom Izzo has the Spartans playing the most challenging schedule in the country. During the first month of the season, MSU has already played 3 games which many other teams would not schedule in its out of conference schedule. They lost 64-63 to Gonzaga, beat Kentucky 86-79 and beat Villanova 73-71.
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Alabama vs. Michigan State odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:45 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Alabama -220 (bet $220 to win $100) | Michigan State +160 (bet $100 to win $160)
- Against the spread (ATS): Alabama +-4.5 (-110) | Michigan State +4.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Alabama vs. Michigan State picks and predictions
Prediction
Michigan State 73, Alabama 68
Moneyline
BET MICHIGAN STATE +160.
Games against Villanova, Kentucky and Gonzaga have prepared the Spartans for this matchup in Portland against Alabama. Victories over Villanova and Kentucky has proven Michigan State ability to beat teams who are thought to have superior talent. Izzo gets his kids prepared and ready for all challengers. It is the reason that, even when a lower seed, they are always a dangerous tournament team. In this game, as +160 underdogs, I like the Spartans to win outright. No need for the spread. Michigan State +160 is my favorite play.
Against the spread
PASS.
With Michigan State being likely to win this game over the favored Alabama, the spread is not the way to bet this one. At +160 ML, I would rather put my money there than on the +4.5 (-115) on the Spartans.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 145.5 (-110).
In 2 games against Jacksonville State and Liberty, Alabama scored 104 and 95 points. In 2 other games against South Alabama and Longwood, the Tide scored 65 and 75. Points can be up and down for the Tide. In this matchup with Michigan State, the Spartans will control the pace and keep the game at a level they like. In the mid 60’s to low 70’s.
Both teams are 2-2 to the Over on the season. After this game, both teams should be 2-3 in the under direction. Take Under 145.5 (-110).
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