Michigan State Spartans vs. Wisconsin Badgers Predictions, Picks, Odds

As the backend of a Big Ten doubleheader of college basketball betting action this Friday night, FS1 saved the best for last with the No. 14 Michigan State Spartans going on the road to face the No. 8 Wisconsin Badgers. Tip-off from Kohl Center in Madison is slated for 9 p.m. (ET).

SCORE PREDICTION

Michigan State 75, Wisconsin 73

BEST BETS

Over 140 (-110) at BetMGM

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS VS. WISCONSIN BADGERS PREDICTIONS

Michigan State lost some ground in the national rankings with a stunning two-point loss at home to Northwestern as a 9.5-point home favorite this past Saturday. The Spartans also found themselves in a close battle against Minnesota on Jan. 12 in a two-point win as 11.5-point favorites at home. Maybe playing this game on the road will be a good change of pace.

Wisconsin had some issues getting past Northwestern on Tuesday night in a six-point victory, but it covered against the spread as a slight 2.5-point road favorite. This kept a straight-up winning streak of seven games alive heading into Friday night’s clash. The Badgers’ lone Big Ten loss this season came against Ohio State. They are 6-1 SU in conference play.

With both teams at the top of the Big Ten standings, these are the kind of marquee matchups that catch quite a bit of attention from the betting public. While the early lean might be towards the home team, I actually like Michigan State in a SU road win. My best bet in this game is the OVER on the total line with both teams showcasing their ability to score.

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS VS. WISCONSIN BADGERS BETTING ODDS

More Odds | Futures Odds

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS VS. WISCONSIN BADGERS BETTING RESOURCES

  • Matchup: Big 10
  • Date: Friday, January 21, 2022
  • Venue: Kohl Center
  • Location: Madison, Wisconsin
  • TV-Time: FS1 - 9:00 p.m. ET

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS BETTING ANALYSIS

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

  • SU: 14-3
  • ATS: 9-8
  • O/U: 8-8-1

The loss to Northwestern snapped a SU nine-game winning streak as part of Michigan State’s 14-3 record on the year. The Spartans are 5-1 SU in conference play with a 3-3 record ATS. The total stayed UNDER 143.5 points in that 64-62 loss against Northwestern. However, it had gone OVER in six of their previous seven games.

Forward Gabe Brown leads a group of four players averaging at least 10 points per game with his 14.2-point scoring average. He is shooting 42.9% from the field and 38.8% from three-point range. He leads the team in three-point attempts by a wide margin with 103.

The trio of guard Max Christie and forwards’ Malik Hall and Marcus Bingham Jr. round out the highest scorers on a team averaging 74.7 PPG. Bingham tops the list for rebounds (7.1) and guard Tyson Walker leads the way in assists with 5.2 a game.

Michigan State is shooting 46.6% from the field and 38.8% from outside the three-point line. It is converting on 73.5% of its free throw attempts. The Spartans have done a good job under the boards with 40.1 rebounds a game. This includes an average of 10.8 rebounds on offense. They have been holding opposing teams to an average of 65.6 PPG.

WISCONSIN BADGERS BETTING ANALYSIS

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

  • SU: 15-2
  • ATS: 12-5
  • O/U: 12-5

The Badgers have complimented their SU seven-game winning streak by covered the closing spread in the last five games. At 6-1 SU in conference play, they have matched that mark ATS. The total went OVER 140 in Tuesday’s 82-76 victory. It has now gone OVER in 12 of Wisconsin’s 17 games this season. It has also gone OVER in every game during this current winning streak.

Across the board, guard Johnny Davis has been the big story for the Badgers this season. He remains at the top of this list in points (22.1), rebounds (7.5) and assists (2.5). You can also add steals per game to that list with 1.5.

Guard Brad Davison is another key contributor in this lineup with 15.1 PPG. He is shooting 40% from the field and 35% from three-point range as the team’s best outside scoring threat. Forward Tyler Wahl rounds out a trio of players scoring in double figures with 11 PPG.

Wisconsin is averaging 72.6 PPG and shooting 42.5% from the field. The Badgers are clicking on 31.5% of their shots from three-point range and 75.2% from the free throw line. They are pulling down 36.1 rebounds a game and allowing an average of 65.8 PPG.

Wisconsin has covered the spread in five straight games. (AP)

INSIDE THE STATS - MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

  • Record: 14-3
  • VI Ranking: 16
  • PS/G: 74.7 (119th)
  • PA/G: 65.6 (98th)
  • ORtg: 106.5 (108th)
  • DRtg: 93.6 (79th)

INSIDE THE STATS - WISCONSIN BADGERS

  • Record: 15-2
  • VI Ranking: 9
  • PS/G: 72.6 (167th)
  • PA/G: 65.8 (99th)
  • ORtg: 107.5 (89th)
  • DRtg: 97.3 (156th)

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

  • MSU: Gabe Brown - F (14.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg)
  • MSU: Max Christie - G (10.4 ppg)
  • WIS: Johnny Davis - G (22.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg)
  • WIS: Brad Davison - G (15/1 ppg, 4.1 rpg)

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS VS. WISCONSIN BADGERS BETTING CONCLUSION

It does not get any better than this if you love Big Ten showdowns. As mentioned, my lean is towards Michigan State on a SU money line bet. However, the best betting value is in the OVER on the current total line.

Recent form for each team suggests a higher scoring game than the total line suggests with the scoring depth for both of these lineups running rather deep.

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS VS. WISCONSIN BADGERS BETTING TRENDS

  • Wisconsin has covered the spread in five straight games.
  • Wisconsin has covered the spread in nine of its last 13 games when playing as the favorite.
  • Michigan State has failed to cover the spread in three straight games.
  • Michigan State has covered the spread in three straight road games.