Michigan State vs Michigan -4 O/U 130.5
So this is the big 10 match-up that everyone has been waiting for. Today we were going to learn who the best team in the big 10 is. Michigan or Michigan State right? Well due to that unfortunate hand injury to Michigan State’s best all around player Nick Ward, we unfortunately may have to wait till the big 10 tournament to find that out. This definitely doesn’t mean we can’t bet this game though! Ward averages 15 points per game, 6.7 rebounds with a 61% FG percentage with Sparty so this will certainly prove to be a big loss. Michigan on the other hand is coming into this game healthy and ready to prove why they made it to the tournament last year. Looking at these 2 teams, they are pretty similar in power rating both being top 8 in the nations. Kenpom has these teams Michigan State 4 and Michigan 6. This line looks a little short to me due to the fact that State is losing a player of Ward’s caliber. I think this 4 point line would reflect a healthier Michigan State team with some home court advantage to the Wolverines. I personally would make it about Michigan -3.5 if both teams healthy. Another thing that hasn’t been factored in to this injury is that this total should have taken a bigger hit. Michigan State has lost some very good defense as well with Ward out but the Wolverine’s play slow enough to have his loss affect more on the offensive side of the ball. Michigan has the number 2 defense in the nation and the 303rd slowest pace of play. This line is a little short to me and I would make it 6. Michigan wins 66-60.
Michigan -4 large and under 130.5 small
