Quick overview of the game
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is getting to see some old friends on his farewell tour from coaching. The Blue Devils, who advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a win over Cal State Fullerton, will be meeting up with Michigan State for the sixth time since Coach K took over. Krzyzewski is 3-2 against Spartans coach Tom Izzo in the NCAA Tournament.
While the matchup on paper is an interesting setup between two veteran coaches, they won’t be putting on shorts and playing. Sports betting guides show that Michigan State doesn’t quite have the same talent level as the Blue Devils.
The Spartans struggled with inconsistency for most of the season and didn’t have an easy matchup in the first round. Atlantic 10 runner-up Davidson took Michigan State down to the wire, only to see the Spartans escape with a one-point win.
Seeing two legendary lock horns in the NCAA Tournament is something everyone was hoping to see. Betting on March Madness provides an opportunity to make some money on which team will come out on top.
Last games records
Duke beat Cal State Fullerton 78-61 Friday night. The Blue Devils are 29-6. Michigan State beat Davidson Friday night. The Spartans are 23-12.
Matchup Information:
Duke vs Michigan State Betting Analysis
Duke Blue Devils Betting Analysis
Duke didn’t mess around with its first-round matchup against Cal State Fullerton. The Blue Devils built a 10-point lead by halftime and never looked back.
Duke had five players score in double figures, led by freshman forward Paolo Banchero, who scored 17 points. The Blue Devils shot 51.7 percent from the field, while they made 40.9 percent of their 3-pointers.
Duke’s offense has been solid all season. The Blue Devils rank ninth nationally by scoring 80.4 points per game. Duke also makes 48.9 percent from the field, which ranks 13th, and 37.7 percent from the 3-point line, which is 24th nationally.
The Blue Devils need to figure things out on defense. While Duke held down CSU Fullerton, Michigan State will be a much stiffer test. The Blue Devils allowed their final four opponents in the regular season to score 75 points or more.
Michigan State Spartans Betting Analysis
Michigan State has been effective at shooting from the perimeter. The Spartans shoot 38.4 percent from the 3-point line, which ranks 12th nationally.
When it comes to offense, Michigan State has had more of a team approach. Forward Gabe Brown, who averages a game-high 11.4 points per game, is the only player who averages more than 10 points per game.
While the Spartans’ defense isn’t a weakness, betting guides show Michigan State has been vulnerable against top offenses. The Spartans allow their opponents to score 68.6 points per game. Michigan State has outscored its opponents by an average of 3.5 points per game.
The Spartans shoot 37.4 percent from the 3-point line.
Team Updates:
Michigan State guard Tyson Walker is probable with an ankle injury.
- Duke is 17-16-2 against the spread.
- Michigan State is 19-15-1 against the spread.
- The Blue Devils have seen the total go over in 19 of their 35 games.
- The Spartans have seen the total go over the total in 19 of their 35 games.
- Duke is 12-14-2 against the spread following a win.
- Michigan State is 11-10 against the spread following a win.
Blue Devils vs Spartans Betting Preview
March Madness betting odds have Michigan State as a 7-point favorite. You can also make March Madness bets on the over/under, which is set at 144.
Duke vs Michigan State State Prediction
Duke has struggled over the past month on defense. However, the Blue Devils have a number of high-class scorers who have the ability to take over any guy. Michigan State, meanwhile, has had a strong season but aren’t one of Izzo’s best groups.
Duke will beat Michigan State; however, the Blue Devils’ defense will have a hard time holding down the Spartans. Duke should win, but the Spartans will cover.
Bet Michigan State +7.
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