Michigan has the size advantage but the Spartans have the best player on the floor in Jeremy Fears. Michigan State has owned the Wolverines, seven wins and covers in the last nine meetings. Michigan has yet to cover a game in 2026, seven straight non-covers. Each team's backcourts will be the deciding factor tonight, with the edge going to the Spartans. Michigan’s Elliot Cadeau has played well but struggles with turnovers in big moments. This one should come down to who takes better care of the basketball which in this case has been the Spartans thus far in the season.

Not in the habit of playing things I doubt win, but when Michigan plays Michigan State, I'm in no matter what. Wish I was at the Breslin Center tonight. Shark Bowl (think Long Island Ice Tea times 10) and chili-cheese fries after in East Lansing. I don't think Sparty is nearly as talented and should be a home dog, but MSU is almost never as talented as the top teams yet keeps winning thanks to Tom Izzo, who is as nice of a human being as he is a great coach. I truly fear his retirement as the hoops program might go the way of the football team. Half-unit simply as I will be watching. If I win? Good pizza night. If not? Hello Dominos.

Both of these teams enter their first of two regular season rivalry showdowns coming off sweaty mid-week wins, with Michigan snatching victory from Nebraska and Sparty having to roar back from a potential upset spot against Rutgers. But while Michigan State might have been caught in a lookahead spot I think Michigan's close win is more in line with its recent form. The Wolverines have failed to cover in each of its last seven games, and there are some matchup points that will allow Michigan State to negate some of what has made Michigan so excellent this season. Plus, Tom Izzo at home as an underdog in a rivalry game? I'll take those points all day.