Michigan State vs #1 Kansas: NCAA Basketball Predictions, Odds & Best Bets

College Basketball Sickos are rejoicing today as the Champions Classic is back to really kick off this NCAA Basketball season. We’ve already had some tremendous games over the first week of action, but tonight we have a bunch of blue bloods going at it on the same court. First off we have the Michigan State Spartans taking on the Kansas Jayhawks, and the Duke Blue Devils take on the Kentucky Wildcats.

Sparty has started off their season with two big wins, taking down Monmouth and Niagara by a combined 60 points. However now they travel to Georgia to take on the #1 team in the nation, coming off a huge win. The Jayhawks rolled against Howard by 30 points in their opener, but then hosted the #9 North Carolina Tar Heels at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks led by 15 at halftime, but a 2nd half push by the Tar Heels let them overtake the lead late in the game. However it was not enough, as Kansas ended up winning by 3.

Now they get tested once again against a Michigan State squad who may not be ranked, but has always been anticipating this matchup since it was announced. Will Tom Izzo and the Spartans be able to upset the Jayhawks? Or will Bill Self and the boys find another way to win?

Let’s dive in and find our best bets!

Michigan State Spartans vs #1 Kansas Jayhawks: Champions Classic

Matchup Information – Michigan State vs Kansas

• Venue & Location: State Farm Arena (Atlanta, GA)
• Date: Tuesday, November 12th, 2024
• Tip Off: 6:30pm Eastern
• Broadcast: ESPN

Betting Odds

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Spread

• Michigan State +5.5 (-115)
• Kansas -5.5 (-105)

Money Line

• Michigan State +200
• Kansas -240

Total

• Over 150.5 (-115)
• Under 150.5 (-105)

Will Self and Jayhawks Take Down Spartans?

After blowing a 15 point lead and narrowly escaping Friday Night, the Jayhawks don’t get to take a night off. They have to face another team ranked in the Top 20 analytically, and a Top 10 defense.

The Michigan State Spartans rank 8th in defensive efficiency, 43rd in offensive efficiency, and they play extremely slow. The Spartans rank 293rd in pace, but they do make up for it with their offensive rebounds. However against Kansas tonight, the Spartans will need all the help they can get. They won’t be doing it from beyond the arc, as they rank 297th in 3P%, shooting just 35% from deep as a team. Now, they play good defense, but they will have to slow down a Kansas team that is boasting 4 double digit scorers so far this season.

Now, the Jayhawks like to run. They are Top 100 in pace, but given this is a neutral site game, neither team will automatically dictate the pace of the game, and instead will force their opponent to play to their level. Kansas is the top ranked team in the country for a reason. They are Top 20 in eFG% and TO% offensively, shoot nearly 40% from deep, and limit the offensive rebounds from their foes. Tonight I see them daring the Spartans to keep up with their efficient offense.

I’m not sure Michigan State is capable of keeping up with Kansas, and I think a shootout benefits the Hawks greatly. In my mind, that means Tom Izzo is going to really slow things down on offense and limit the number of possessions for the Jayhawks. Even if he is successful, Michigan State will still need to execute offensively against a team ranked Top 12 in defensive efficiency.

Michigan State Spartans vs #1 Kansas Jayhawks Best Bets

Michigan State vs Kansas Prediction: Kansas Wins, Michigan State Covers, Over 150

Best Bets: Michigan State/Kansas 1H Under 71.5 (-110) Bovada

We are going to sweat for the first 20 mins of this game. Kansas has started off extremely hot, scoring 99 first half points in their first two games. If I’m Tom Izzo, and I’ve watched this happen, I make sure my defense is fired up from the opening tip.

Michigan State should slow this ball game down to a snail’s pace, and on a neutral court, they’ll have the opportunity to do so. Sparty is incredibly slow, and working the entire shot clock on offense not only opens things up for an easy bucket, but also wears down the Kansas defenders, forcing them to spend plenty of time playing defense.

The Jayhawks can’t use any of their dynamic scorers, if they don’t have the ball. Michigan State should be prepared to play some in your face defense from start to finish, disrupting the Jayhawks’ high scoring offense.

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