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The Michigan State Spartans appear to be back on track with two consecutive victories after a very slow start to Big Ten play. After three straight losses in conference games, Michigan State beat Nebraska and dominated a 15th-ranked Rutgers team. Tom Izzo’s bunch will host the Purdue Boilermakers, which have lost two in a row and three of their last four.
Purdue is 7-5 early on this season with a 2-3 Big Ten record, while Michigan State is 8-3 overall and also 2-3 in conference play.
So where are sports bettors going as we get closer to game time? Let’s take a look. All odds and info were provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Point Spread
Michigan State is coming into this game as 4.5-point favorites, and to no surprise the Spartans are getting 92% of the bets on their side as well as 93% of the handle.
Is the public right? I thought this line might be a little higher and I’d be all over Purdue, but that’s why oddsmakers are good at their jobs. I’m still going to go against the public and take the Boilermakers to cover this spread. Matt Painter teams are as consistent as it gets year after year, and they need this game to avoid three straight losses. Purdue should have the motivation edge, and it should get the cover.
Over/Under
The point total is at 143.5 for this game and this isn’t usually the case, but the public love the under in this one. It’s getting 80% of the bets and 90% of the handle as we get closer to game time.
Is the public right? All aboard the under train because the public is right. Purdue is among the slowest teams in college basketball offensively, ranking 310th in possessions per game, and Michigan State ranks 95th in that category. Join the rest of the betting public in rooting against points. Shot clock violations and missed 3-pointers are always fun to cheer for.
Moneyline
Michigan State’s moneyline odds are set at -205, while Purdue has +165 odds to pull off the upset. The Spartans are getting 91% of bets and 90% of the handle.
Is the public right? This game should come down to the wire, but I’d take the risk and take the Spartans to earn the win. It’s at home, and they’re starting to find a little success in Big Ten play.
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