The Northwestern Wildcats (5-2) travel to East Lansing to take on the No. 20 Michigan State Spartans (5-3) Sunday at 7 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Northwestern at Michigan State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Both teams are coming off losses in the Big Ten-ACC showdown. Northwestern was blasted 87-58 by Pitt on Monday as a 7.5-point favorite while Michigan State lost 70-52 to Notre Dame Wednesday as a half-point favorite.
The Spartans bring their undefeated 2-0 home record into this game while this is only the 2nd true road game for the Wildcats. As always, MSU has played 1 of the most difficult schedules in the nation so far. Its 3 losses early in the season may not look good, but it will serve them well late in the season when it’s crunch time. Expect Sunday’s game to be a low-scoring slog in East Lansing and the more physical team will emerge.
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Northwestern at 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 12:35 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Michigan State -280 (bet $280 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +5.5 (-105) | Michigan State -5.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 127.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Northwestern at Michigan State picks and predictions
Prediction
Michigan State 67, Northwestern 59
Moneyline
PASS.
Michigan State is undefeated at home. and the more battle-tested team. The games against Kentucky, Gonzaga and even a down Villanova team will lead to Michigan winning this game. But -280 is a bit much for a straight wager. But it makes a good addition to a parlay.
Against the spread
BET MICHIGAN STATE -5.5 (-115).
A slow-paced grind it out game will occur Sunday. The game will be close, but when it comes down to crunch time, Northwestern will be forced to foul the Spartans and they will get to this cover at the foul line. I like Michigan State -5.5 (-115) as my favorite play.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 127.5 (-110).
This number reflects the slow nature this game will be played at by both teams. A game in the 60s is what both teams will be aiming for and they will get it. It will take some foul line points to get there, but it will get there. Take Over 127.5 (-110).
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