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Michigan State vs. Oakland Prediction and Odds: The Spartans' Turnover Issues Continue to Hold them Back

By Matt De Saro

The Oakland Golden Bears are on the road facing off against Michigan State tonight and won't go down without a fight.
The Oakland Golden Bears are on the road facing off against Michigan State tonight and won't go down without a fight. / Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
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The No. 11 Michigan State Spartans are back in action after a full 11 days off the hardwood. The Spartans are looking to extend their four-game winning streak in a showdown against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. Two of the four wins during their streak have come against conference opponents and they are currently tied for first in the Big Ten with a 9-2 record. 

The Golden Grizzlies have also been on an extended winter break and will be playing their first game in a couple of weeks. Unlike the Spartans, Oakland lost their last game 73-72 to Bowling Green. Despite the tight loss, the Golden Grizzlies are 7-3 and tied for first in the Horizon Conference. This will be the second game against a ranked team this season. The First was an 86-59 blowout by No. 10 Alabama. These two teams have faced off several times over the last decade but the Golden Grizzlies are 0-19 all-time against the Spartans. 

Here are the odds for this matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Michigan State vs. Oakland Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Michigan State -10 (-110)
  • Oakland +10 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Michigan State -540
  • Oakland +400

Total: 145.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Michigan State vs. Oakland Prediction and Pick

Despite taking place in Detroit, this game is being played at a neutral site at Little Caesars Arena so it is not technically a home game for the Spartans. They are one of the best teams in the nation right now but Oakland is no pushover despite what the odds suggest. 

Michigan State’s biggest issue continues to be the turnovers they give up. The Spartans are 282nd in the country, giving up 15 turnovers per game on average. That means that 18.3 percent of their possessions end with a turnover. Meanwhile, Oakland is in the Top-60 in terms of opponent's turnovers per game at 15.6 with teams turning the ball over in 18.7 percent of possessions. 

I don’t think this issue will lead to a loss for MSU. But, if Oakland can capitalize on those turnovers, they can keep this game close down the stretch and cover this double-digit spread. 

Pick: Michigan State -2.5

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