Baylor vs. Michigan State Prediction and Odds: Bears Set to Make Statement

No. 6 Baylor faces off against Michigan State in the Finals of the Battle 4 Atlantis on Friday afternoon.

Baylor has had little trouble getting to the Finals, disposing of Arizona State and VCU, while Michigan State won in the final seconds against Loyola Chicago and scrapped to a win against UConn on Thanksgiving day.

Who has the edge in this matchup? Here are the odds, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Baylor vs. Michigan State Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Baylor: -6 (-115)
• Michigan State: +6 (-105)

Moneyline:

• Baylor: -265
• Michigan State: +210

Total: 137 (Over -110/Under -110)

Baylor vs. Michigan State Prediction and Pick

While Michigan State showed resilience on Wednesday in holding off Loyola Chicago, the team was lucky to catch an exhausted and short handed UConn team on Thursday. The Huskies were without two key contributors, hurting their stout defense, and the Spartans were able to hang on after squandering a double digit lead.

Don't expect anything easy from this Baylor team, who has reloaded after a National Championship and looks the part of a Final Four contender once against in 2021.

Scott Drew's Bears are top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency, per KenPom, and will give Michigan State's lack of dominant ball handlers fits; the Bears are seventh in the nation in opponent turnover rate.

Michigan State has thrived early in the year with their size, but Baylor has the front court to match it with the likes of Flo Thamba and Jonathan Tchamwa. Overall, BU is grabbing nearly 40% of available offensive rebounds.

Even though the Bears are laying six, I still see this as the side to play. Michigan State is not dynamic enough to run with the speed and physicality of Baylor. The Bears are able to score both inside and out (only taking a third of their shots from beyond the arc while hitting on 35% of them), and I see them winning this one by double digits as Michigan State is a bit inflated after two close wins.

PICK: Baylor -6, play to -7