The Michigan State Spartans (13-2) and Michigan Wolverines (7-6) meet Saturday at the Crisler Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at Michigan State vs. Michigan odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
The Spartans may be entering this game as the ranked team, but don’t tell the sportsbooks that as they still have them listed as underdogs.
Michigan State is still undefeated (4-0) in conference play and has yet to lose a true road game. The home team in this matchup has won the last five times.
As for Michigan, they’ll look to continue that trend. While having had a disappointing season, they’re 4-2 at home, far better than their 1-3 road record.
Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Michigan State at Michigan odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:15 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Michigan State +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Michigan -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Michigan State +2.5 (-110) | Michigan -2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Michigan at North Carolina odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Michigan State 72, Michigan 69
Money line
The Spartans have only lost two games this season, their season opener against Kansas and a high-profile matchup with Baylor. Other than that, they’ve dominated opponents.
The Spartans are led by senior forward Gabe Brown. Michigan State has shown far more all season, but they’ve done their best defensive work against other big men.
They held Kansas big David McCormack to 10 points. Limiting C Hunter Dickenson, the Wolverines’ leading scorer, will be a huge key for the Spartans.
Also, the Wolverines are great at defending the three but allow opponents to top 48% from two-point range. The Spartans shoot almost 40 two-point field goals per game and have shot over 50% on the season from deep.
Combine it all, and I’ll BET on MICHIGAN STATE +120 behind Tom Izzo.
Against the spread
PASS on the spread. For the mere 2.5 points, I’d rather take the Spartans at plus-money odds.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the UNDER 142.5 (-108).
This matchup, as is normal with big-time rivalries, typically trends lower. Four of the last six battles between these two teams would’ve gone under this projected total.
This line opened at 143.5 per pregame.com, insinuating either there’s reverse-line movement or that the public is betting on the Under, which has dropped the total.
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