Predictions, Odds, and Picks for the Michigan State vs Michigan Game

• The #12 Michigan Wolverines are 2.5-point home favorites over the #14 Michigan State Spartans tonight
• The Wolverines are riding a six-game winning streak
• Check out the Michigan State vs Michigan prediction, odds, and picks, below

The stakes are sky-high for tonight’s Big Ten showdown between #14 Michigan State (21-5, 12-3 Big Ten) and #12 Michigan (20-5, 12-2 Big Ten). The winner will take over top spot in the conference, and will have the inside track to the Big Ten tournament’s top seed. Online sportsbooks are bullish on the Wolverines, pegging them as home chalk in the college basketball odds. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 pm ET from the Crisler Center, in Ann Arbor, MI, with FOX providing the broadcast coverage.

Michigan State vs Michigan Odds

Michigan is currently a 2.5-point favorite, in a contest with a total of 151.5. Per the college basketball public betting trends, the Wolverines opened as 3.5-point chalk, but early Spartan money drove the number down. Michigan is listed at -154 on the moneyline, with Michigan State coming back as +128 underdogs.

Odds as of February 20 at BetMGM. Be sure to check out the best BetMGM promo code before placing a bet on any college hoops game tonight.

Michigan State vs Michigan Prediction

• Michigan State +2.5 (-108) at BetMGM

Tonight marks the first time since 2020 that both teams have been ranked inside the top-25 for their matchup. The Wolverines are a top-16 contender in the March Madness odds, and are threatening to go from worst to first in a one-year span in the conference. Michigan has ripped off six straight victories, in large part thanks to the play of their front court.

Their twin towers Vladislav Goldin and Danny Wolf are combining for 29 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Goldin, who stands north of 7 feet, is one of the premier pick-and-roll players in the country. Last time out, he put up 20 points in an 86-83 win over Ohio State, with the Wolverines scoring 10 times on Goldin-Wolf pick-and-roll possessions.

Michigan State vs Michigan Ratings

For most teams, defending the interior versus Michigan is a nightmare. If there’s one program who can buck that trend however, it’s the Spartans. Michigan State has incredible depth, going 10 deep on a nightly basis. Tom Izzo has four competent bigs he can throw at Goldin and Wolf, to ensure fresh defenders are always on the floor.

The Spartans are one of the top rim protecting teams in the country, ranking 20th in block percentage. They’re limiting opponents to the 15th lowest shooting efficiency in the nation, and their defensive prowess isn’t limited to the paint.

Michigan State ranks 10th in enemy 3-point shooting percentage. They’ve allowed the seventh fewest threes in college basketball, and are 11th in defensive rebounding. At the other end, they crash the glass at an elite rate, leading the Big Ten in second chance opportunities.

That’s going to force Goldin and Wolf to expend more energy at the defensive end. As for the rest of the Wolverines, they’re going to have their hands full with the Spartan guards. Projected lottery pick Jase Richardson is the headliner, along with leading scorer Jaden Akins. Richardson is averaging over 16 points per game since moving into a starting role, and is shooting 40% from three.

Michigan State enters play with the 13th shortest championship odds, and is a projected 4-seed in the NCAA Tournament. They’ve won three of four, and are fresh off defeating #13 Purdue. They’re equipped to handle the Wolverines inside, and have a huge matchup in the backcourt, led by superior guard play.

Michigan State vs Michigan Betting Trends

The trends also support backing the Spartans tonight. Yes, Michigan was one six in a row, but they’ve covered only once in their last nine outings. They’re 3-11 ATS in conference, failing to cover seven straight times as a favorite.

The Spartans on the other hand, have covered in three of their last four. They’re 11-4 against the spread versus Big Ten opposition, with a 2-0-1 ATS mark as underdogs.

The highly anticipated matchup between the Michigan State Spartans and the Michigan Wolverines is set to take place this weekend, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Both teams have had impressive seasons so far, but only one can come out on top in this fierce rivalry game.

The odds for this game are currently favoring the Wolverines, who are ranked higher in the national polls and have a strong record of 6-1. The Spartans, on the other hand, are 5-2 and have had some ups and downs throughout the season. However, as we all know, anything can happen in a rivalry game, and the Spartans will be looking to pull off an upset against their in-state rivals.

In terms of predictions, it’s a tough call. Both teams have talented rosters and experienced coaching staffs. Michigan State has been known to play spoiler in big games, while Michigan has been dominant at times this season. It could come down to who executes better on game day and makes fewer mistakes.

If we had to make a pick, we would lean towards Michigan coming out on top in this one. They have been playing at a high level and have a strong defense that could give the Spartans trouble. However, Michigan State is never one to back down from a challenge, so we expect them to put up a fight until the very end.

Overall, this game is sure to be a thrilling matchup between two talented teams with a lot on the line. Whether you’re a fan of the Spartans or the Wolverines, this is one game you won’t want to miss. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for some intense college football action.