The college basketball betting board features two of the most exciting early-season matchups on Tuesday night, as the yearly Champions Classic tips off between four elite NCAA basketball programs.
In the first game, the Michigan State Spartans face the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.
College basketball odds have No. 6-ranked Duke installed as a 3-point favorite against Michigan State, who comes in as the No. 8 team in the AP Top 25.
We break down the NCAA odds with our best free Michigan State vs Duke picks and predictions for Tuesday, December 1, with tipoff at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Michigan State Spartans at Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview
Key Injuries
Michigan State: Rocket Watts G (Questionable)
Duke: Henry Coleman II F (Questionable)
Find our latest NCAA basketball injury reports.
Betting Trend to Know
The Over is 20-7-1 in Blue Devils' last 28 games overall. Find more NCAA betting trends for Michigan State vs. Duke.
Against the Spread (ATS) Pick
The State Farm Champions Classic usually tips off the college basketball season and takes place on neutral ground. But this is 2020, and due to COVID-19, this matchup will be taking place on Duke's home court, the legendary Cameron Indoor Stadium. Even without fans in attendance, that should be an advantage for the Blue Devils, who live and breathe in this gym.
Duke opened their season with an 81-71 win over Coppin State on Saturday, and while they didn't even come close to covering their 39.5-point spread, they were more dominant than the scoreline suggests. The Blue Devils shot 53 percent from the floor while holding the Eagles to 33 percent shooting, they outrebounded Coppin State 50-30, and they went on a 26-9 run to end the first half.
The Spartans have won back-to-back games to start their campaign. Like the Blue Devils, MSU ripped off big first-half leads against inferior opponents (Eastern Michigan and Notre Dame) before taking their foot off the pedal in the second half.
Nine Michigan State players have averaged at least 15 minutes per game over the first two contests of the year. While that's a good indicator of depth, it also means Tom Izzo still hasn't figured out his best lineup as he mixes and matches new additions with vets.
Foster Loyer looked like the lead guard against Eastern Michigan but disappeared versus the Fighting Irish, and his lack of athleticism will be a liability on defense. Rocket Watts might be their best shot-creator, but was ineffective in the season opener and is nursing a lower-body injury. Even if Watts plays tonight, he won't have his usual explosiveness.
These elite programs have met up each season since 2010-2011 and Duke has gone a commanding 8-1 SU in those head-to-head clashes. More importantly for bettors, the Blue Devils have covered the spread in five of the last seven meetings, including last year when they won 87-75. Take the more athletic Duke side to win and cover at home.
PREDICTION: Duke -3 (-110)
Over/Under Pick
Under head coach Mike Krzyzewski, Duke always seems to be an offensive powerhouse. Last year after losing two All-Americans to the NBA, the Blue Devils still finished second in the nation in scoring and 25th in pace.
A pair of five-star freshman carried Duke against Coppin State, with Jalen Johnson and D.J. Steward combining for 43 points on 69 percent shooting, while also adding 28 rebounds and seven assists. But there are plenty of experienced players around them including Wendell Moore Jr, Matthew Hurt, Jordan Goldwire and Joey Baker.
The Blue Devils were an Over bettor's dream last year, going above the total in 20 of their last 28 games, and this season should be no different.
As for the Spartans, we mentioned that Izzo is still in the process of settling on a rotation, but he has plenty of offensive talents to work with. Marquette transfer Joey Hauser has emerged as a reliable presence in the post, while upperclassmen Aaron Henry and Joshua Langford have proven ability to put the ball in the bucket.
With the Over going 7-2 in the last nine meetings between these teams, back it again.
PREDICTION: Over 149.5 (-110)
Michigan State vs Duke Betting Card
- Duke -3 (-110)
- Over 149.5 (-110)
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