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Michigan State (3-0) vs Kentucky (3-1)
- When: Nov 18 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
(17) Michigan State vs (9) Kentucky Preview & Prediction
Spread: Kentucky -4.5
Moneyline: Kentucky (-210)
Total: 153.0
Kentucky Wildcats Betting Breakdown
Kentucky rolls into the Champions Classic with a 3-1 mark and a résumé full of blowout wins, even if the stumble at Louisville showed they are far from polished. Mark Pope knows this matchup is a measuring stick. He has a deep rotation, plenty of athleticism and a roster still figuring out its full identity. The Wildcats have been hammering weaker opponents with ease, and their size and pace give them a real edge in an uptempo matchup.
Kentucky’s offense is humming, their bench keeps the pressure high and they have the tools to attack Michigan State’s defensive lapses. The neutral-court spotlight at Madison Square Garden plays right into their talent advantage.
Michigan State Spartans Betting Breakdown
The Spartans might be undefeated, but Tom Izzo is anything but satisfied. Michigan State beat a ranked Arkansas squad, but their uneven showing against San Jose State set off alarms for the Hall of Fame coach. Jaxon Kohler has been a force early in the season, but Izzo wants sharper defensive execution and fewer mental lapses if they expect to hang with Kentucky’s depth.
Michigan State thrives when the game slows down and their physicality shows, but this matchup forces them out of that comfort zone. If the Spartans repeat the inconsistent effort from their last outing, they are in trouble.
Prediction Betting Outlook & Prediction
Kentucky has more scoring layers and the deeper bench, and their pace is likely to push Michigan State into uncomfortable territory. The Spartans can hang for stretches, but over 40 minutes the Wildcats have too many answers. Total Slight lean to the Under 153.0 due to Michigan State’s slower stretches and Kentucky tightening up in a marquee game.
Final Score: Kentucky 79, Michigan State 72
Lean: Kentucky -4.5
Total: Under 153.0
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
