Michigan at Michigan State: How to watch, odds, predictions from ESPN, KenPom

Michigan (10-7) takes on rival No. 10 Michigan State (15-4) in a Big Ten showdown with huge implications on Saturday. The Wolverines are looking to continue their three-game winning streak, while the Spartans are looking to avoid an upset after falling to No. 24 Illinois earlier this week.

How to watch:

Time: 12:30 PM EST/11:30 AM CST

Channel: CBS

Location: Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan

Odds:

Michigan State has opened Saturday as 4.5-point favorites, according to the VI consensus.

Money line: Michigan State -150, Michigan +130

Spread: Michigan State -4.5 (-110), Michigan +4.5 (-110)

O/U: 137.5

Check out the rest of Vegas’ odds ahead of Sunday’s college basketball slate.

ESPN BPI predictions:

Matchup quality: 86.9

Win probability: 68.3%, Michigan State

Predicted point differential: 4.8

‘The College Basketball Power Index (BPI) is a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of performance going forward. BPI represents how many points above or below average a team is. Strength of Record (SOR) is a measure of team accomplishment based on how difficult a team’s W-L record is to achieve. 

Game predictions account for opponent strength, pace of play, site, travel distance, day’s rest and altitude, and are used to simulate the season 10,000 times to produce season projections. Numbers update daily,’ per ESPN.

KenPom predictions:

Score prediction: Michigan State 72, Michigan 67

Win probability: 68%, Michigan State

Check out the rest of KenPom’s advanced analysis of college basketball here.

Before you watch:

After beginning the season with so much potential, Michigan has fallen out of the Top 25 rankings. However, they’re making an attempt to climb back into them — currently on a three-game winning streak and looking to upset Michigan State.

To do so, the Wolverines will need the best version of center Hunter Dickinson. The Michigan star is averaging 16.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.

On the other hand, Michigan State is looking to avenge their recent loss to Illinois. While the Spartans are still ranked in the top ten at the moment, Tom Izzo’s squad has lost two of their last three contests.

If the Spartans are to avoid an upset from their in-state rivals, forward Gabe Brown will be big for them. On the season, Brown is the team’s leading scorer — averaging 13.4 points per game.

The Spartans and the Wolverines both have big dreams, but will need a win over the other to get there. On Saturday, we’ll find out who gets closer to their goals.