The No. 7-ranked Michigan State Spartans host the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines in a marquee matchup on Friday night.
These are the two-highest rated defenses in the NCAA, which is why my Michigan vs. Michigan State predictions are betting on a low-scoring clash.
Here are my best free college basketball picks for this Big Ten rivalry game on January 30.
Michigan vs Michigan State prediction
Michigan vs Michigan State best bet: Under 147.5 (-110)
The Michigan Wolverines are second in the country in adjusted defense and will contain the Michigan State Spartans, who've struggled to score against ranked foes.
Meanwhile, MSU ranks first in adjusted defense and has the ability to slow down Michigan's up-tempo attack.
The Spartans lead the nation in defensive rebounding rate and does a great job taking away interior looks, forcing opponents into tough outside shots. That's bad news for Michigan who is shooting just 28.2% from deep this month.
The Wolverines also play a tick slower on the road where their eFG% drops to 55.7% compare to 60.1% at home.
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Michigan vs Michigan State same-game parlay
Coen Carr is an undersized forward that does most of his scoring close to the basket. He'll have a tough time against a massive Michigan frontcourt that defends the rim at an elite level.
Yaxel Lendeborg has been held to fewer than 2.5 assists in six of his last nine games. With MSU slowing the tempo down and cutting off passing lanes, he won't eclipse that number tonight.
Michigan vs Michigan State SGP
- Under 147.5
- Coen Carr Under 11.5 points
- Yaxel Lendeborg Under 2.5 assists
Our beyond the arc SGP: Wolverines grind out win
Let's also bet the first half Under and back the Wolverines to improve on their perfect 6-0 record in Quad 1 games. With both teams boasting elite defenses, this game will come down to who can hit shots, and Michigan is clearly better in that area.
Michigan vs Michigan State SGP
- Under 147.5
- Under 69.5 1H
- Michigan moneyline
- Coen Carr Under 11.5 points
- Yaxel Lendeborg Under 2.5 assists
Michigan vs Michigan State odds
- Spread: Michigan -1 (-105) | Michigan State +1 (-115)
- Moneyline: Michigan -115 | Michigan State -105
- Over/Under: Over 146.5 (-110) | Under 146.5 (-110)
Michigan vs Michigan State betting trend to know
The Under has gone 30-9 in Michigan State's last 39 games (+20.10 Units / 47% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Michigan vs. Michigan State.
How to watch Michigan vs Michigan State
| Location | Breslin Center, East Lansing, MI |
| Date | Friday, January 30, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Michigan vs Michigan State key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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