Michigan (22-8) at Michigan State (25-5)
- When: Mar 9 2025, 12:00 PM
- Where: Jack Breslin Students Events Center, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Where to watch: CBS
Michigan State vs. Michigan Betting Preview
Spread: Michigan State -8.0 | Total: 147.0
The in-state rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State always brings high-intensity action, but this time, the stakes are different. With the Big Ten regular-season title already locked up, the Spartans will look to keep their momentum rolling into the conference tournament, while the Wolverines desperately need a bounce-back performance after consecutive losses.
Michigan State Spartans
Conference Champions, Looking for More
The Spartans (25-5, 16-3 Big Ten) have been rolling, securing the outright Big Ten regular-season title after a 91-84 win over Iowa. Tom Izzo’s squad has won six straight, including a dominant 75-62 road win over Michigan just two weeks ago.
Freshman standout Jase Richardson led the charge against Iowa with 22 points, while Michigan State showcased its signature depth and balanced scoring. However, Izzo wasn’t thrilled with the defensive effort, as the Hawkeyes shot 47.6% from the field and held a 14-point lead at one point.
“Am I happy we won the Big Ten? Ecstatic. But we can’t afford to relax now,” Izzo said. “Winning the conference was a goal, but we’ve got bigger ones ahead.”
Michigan State has been one of the strongest bets in the Big Ten, covering the spread in four of their last five games. At home, they’ve been even tougher, dominating opponents with a 14-2 record in East Lansing.
Expect the Spartans to push the tempo and use their deep bench to wear down a struggling Michigan squad. If they tighten up defensively, this could be another double-digit win.
Michigan Wolverines
Searching for Confidence Before the Tournament
Michigan (22-8, 14-5 Big Ten) is trending in the wrong direction at the worst possible time. After getting blown out by Illinois (93-73) and falling short against Maryland (71-65), the Wolverines need a statement performance heading into the conference tournament.
The biggest issue? Outside of their dominant 7-foot duo of Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin, Michigan’s guards and wings have struggled. Against Maryland, Wolf and Goldin combined for 40 points, 23 rebounds, and seven assists, while the rest of the team shot just 10-for-32 from the field.
Coach Dusty May remains optimistic, but he knows this team needs more than just post play to compete with elite squads.
“This is the most adversity we’ve faced,” May said. “These next few weeks will tell us a lot about ourselves.”
Michigan is 5-2 against the spread (ATS) in its last seven road games, but that trend could be tested against a Michigan State team that has been dominant at home.
If the Wolverines want to cover, they’ll need more from their perimeter players and a defensive effort that slows down the Spartans’ fast-paced attack.
Betting Prediction & Props to Watch
With Michigan State’s depth and current form, the Spartans should be able to control the game from start to finish. Michigan’s reliance on Wolf and Goldin is a major concern, especially if they get into foul trouble.
Best Bet: Michigan State -8.0
Total: Lean under 147.0 – Michigan State’s defense should clamp down after allowing 84 to Iowa.
Prop to Watch: Jase Richardson Over Points – The freshman has taken over in recent games and should be a key scorer once again.
Expect the Spartans to stay sharp ahead of the postseason and hand their rivals another tough loss.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
