Michigan State and Rutgers will face off for the second time this season after the Spartans won the first round 88-79 in overtime.
Rutgers will be on the road for this round, giving a major advantage to No. 8 Michigan State.
The Spartans are 20.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at 141.5 points.
Here’s my prediction, preview and pick for Thursday’s Michigan State vs. Rutgers matchup.
Michigan State vs. Rutgers prediction, preview
By just looking at the spread, this could project as a blowout. Michigan State is 24-5, while Rutgers is 12-17. That said, these two went to overtime at the end of January, with the Spartans winning 88-79.
This round is on Michigan State’s home court, which is a big reason why the spread is so large. Covering 20.5 points is difficult for any team, especially on a second matchup. Even with the great record disparity, the Scarlet Knights are capable of keeping pace.
Rutgers jumped out to a 37-28 lead at halftime in the first matchup. They held the lead for much of the second half before failing to close out the game. It was a terrific comeback from the Spartans, but it was also a great showing from one of the weaker Big Ten teams.
The Scarlet Knights are unlikely to shock Michigan State this time, especially since they’re on the road. However, the last game likely taught the Scarlet Knights a lesson in closing out ball games.
Most recently, Rutgers won 69-65 against Maryland on the road. Rutgers once again held a big lead at halftime and lost it in the second half. This time, however, they returned to form and won the game.
The second matchup with Michigan State likely won’t end in a Rutgers win, but it could be much closer than the 20.5-point spread indicates.
Michigan State vs. Rutgers pick, best bet
Rutgers winning this game is a long shot. The Scarlet Knights are +2000 on the moneyline, so don’t expect a total upset. They had their chance last time and fumbled late in the second half and overtime.
Michigan State will get the victory at home, but it shouldn’t be that much of a blowout. A 20.5-point spread is too for a Rutgers team that competed well with the Spartans last time.
