Michigan State vs. Oakland Odds
| Michigan State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-11 -110 | 141 -110o / -110u | N/A |
| Oakland Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+11 -110 | 141 -110o / -110u | N/A |
Michigan State will square off against Oakland on Tuesday night in Detroit's Little Caesars Arena. The Spartans will be playing their first showdown back after an 11-day stretch without a game. Michigan State is also looking to extend a four-game winning streak, with two of those wins coming against conference opponents.
The Grizzlies are in a similar boat having not played a game in two weeks, with their last game being a 73-72 loss to Bowling Green on December 7th. While the Bowling Green loss takes away some of the shine, this is still a very good Oakland team.
MSU and Oakland have squared off at least once in the past 10 seasons and have had 19 meetings all time. The Spartans, however, have dominated and have posted a 19-0 record all-time.
This will be the third time the two teams have faced off inside Little Caesars Arena, having also played there in 2019 and 2017.
Will Oakland be able to shake the rust off and get its first-ever win in this series, or will Tom Izzo & Co. be able to keep the streak alive?
Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State enters the game on Tuesday at 9-2 on the season, having gone 9-1 over its last 10 games.
The Spartans are ranked No. 11 in both the AP and ESPN Coaches polls while also being No. 13 in the NET Rankings. They have played the toughest strength of schedule in the country among major conference teams.
The Spartans' defense has not only been one of the best in the Big Ten, but truly one of the best in the country, with the sixth-best adjusted defensive efficiency ranking.
Sparty ranks fifth in the Big Ten in scoring defense by allowing just 63.9 points per game. It is third in field goal percentage defense by holding opponents to just 38.4% shooting from the field.
The Spartans have an imposing frontcourt that ranks fourth in rebounding margin (+8.50 rebounds per game) and leads the Big Ten in blocks (6.73 per game).
The Spartans' offense has been decently productive itself. Currently ranked 38th in the country in offensive adjusted efficiency, the unit has averaged 74 points per game. While the Spartans' 38.5% shooting on 3s has been impressive, there have also been some issues that can't be ignored.
The Spartans commit an average of 15 turnovers per game, ranking 281st in the nation. This will undoubtedly be an issue against an Oakland team that is forcing an average of 15.6 turnovers per game.
Oakland Golden Grizzlies
Before their two-week break, the Grizzlies had one of the toughest stretches in college basketball, as they played 10 games in 28 days. With nine of those games coming away from home, the Grizzlies going 7-3 is a lot more impressive than I think some people are giving them credit for.
The Grizzlies have a balanced scoring attack, as they have three players averaging in double figures so far this season.
Michigan native and Marquette graduate transfer Jamal Cain has been huge for the Golden Grizzlies, as he is second in the Horizon League in scoring, averaging 21.2 points per game.
As a team, the Grizzlies are shooting just 25.8% from 3, with Blake Lampman the only player shooting above 35%.
Michigan State has a clear rebounding advantage and will tower over Oakland. Michigan State ranks ninth in the country in average height, compared to 274th by Oakland.
Oakland may struggle from deep, but around the rim and from the free throw line, it will have a clear advantage. The Golden Grizzlies rank 70th in the country in 2-point shots, while also hitting 77.3% from the charity stripe.
Michigan State vs. Oakland Betting Pick
Michigan State may be one of the best teams in the country, but Oakland has a lot of things working for it that could lean this game in its favor.
First, this game will be in somewhat of a neutral site at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Oakland should also be able to expose the turnover issues of Izzo's team, and if it can capitalize on those turnovers, this game should be much closer than the spread reflects.
Michigan State opened up as a 12-point favorite, but I was able to catch Oakland at +11.5 and would feel comfortable taking it as low as +8.
Oakland is a very live dog here, with both teams coming off of extended time off and no true home court in play.
I will also be making a small, small wager on Oakland moneyline, as well.
