The Michigan State Spartans take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in New York, NY. Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
Michigan State is favored by 5.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -238. The total is set at 148.5 points.
Here are my Michigan State vs. Rutgers predictions and college basketball picks for January 25, 2025.
Michigan State vs Rutgers Prediction
My Pick: Rutgers +5.5 (Play to +5)
My Michigan State vs Rutgers best bet is on the Scarlet Knights spread, with the best odds currently available at DraftKings. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Michigan State vs Rutgers Odds, Spread
| Michigan St Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5 -112 | 149.5 -110o / -110u | -238 |
| Rutgers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5 -108 | 149.5 -110o / -110u | +195 |
- Michigan State vs Rutgers spread: Michigan State -5
- Michigan State vs Rutgers over/under: 149.5 points
- Michigan State vs Rutgers moneyline: Michigan State -238, Rutgers +195
- Michigan State vs Rutgers best bet: Rutgers +5.5 (Play to +5)
My Michigan State vs Rutgers College Basketball Matchup Analysis
Let’s focus on a matchup that's caught my attention in the Big Ten.
Even if Rutgers isn't in the tournament chatter yet, they have some home games that could prove pivotal, with Michigan and Illinois visiting in the next few weeks.
But let's shift our gears to the notable showdown this Saturday against Michigan State.
Rutgers is struggling, but the Scarlet Knights' two superstar future NBA draft picks, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, are both healthier now. Harper played a few games where he shouldn’t have even been on the court, but he should look more like himself on Saturday.
Rutgers needs to limit the Spartans in transition play, which is always a big deal when facing a Tom Izzo-coached team. This is far from an elite Scarlet Knights defense, but they're pretty solid in transition denial.
Additionally, Michigan State is likely overdue for some negative shooting regression on defense. Conference opponents have shot a measly 25% from 3, a wholly unsustainable mark. The Spartans are well overdue for a loss following 11 straight wins, and a solid shooting performance from some conference opponent could force that.
I expect maximum effort from the Scarlet Knights in a tremendous situational spot following that tough loss to Penn State this past Monday.
