USC vs. Michigan State Predictions & Odds Tonight | College Basketball Picks for Jan. 5
USC remained in Michigan following its blowout loss over the weekend, but my USC vs. Michigan State predictions are banking on better results on Monday.
Tipoff from the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Mich., is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (FS1). The No. 9 Spartans (12-2, 2-1 Big Ten) are an 11.5-point betting favorite against the No. 24 Trojans (12-2, 1-2), who got crushed by 30 by the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday. But that’s created some value in the road underdog against an inferior team.
🏀 USC vs. Michigan State predictions
See our experts' college basketball picks based on the latest college basketball odds.
| Predictions | Best odds | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| USC +11.5 | -110 via Caesars | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chad Baker-Mazara Over 17.5 points | -110 via FanDuel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
💰 USC vs. Michigan State best bet
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USC +11.5 (-110) ⭐⭐⭐
The market is down on USC after its 30-point loss to what could be the best team in the country. But it’s important to remember that Michigan State doesn’t have the same level of firepower.
The Spartans rank 266th in adjusted tempo and 258th in 3-point rate, suggesting they don’t play at the speed or have the shot diet to pull away. Michigan State’s 58-56 loss to Nebraska on Friday underscores my point that tonight’s matchup could be lower-scoring.
If that’s the case, USC can stay within this number. The Trojans can generate enough offense with the top free-throw rate in the country.
Score prediction: Michigan State 78, USC 70
🔥 Best USC vs. Michigan State player prop
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Chad Baker-Mazara, G, USC: Over 17.5 points (-110) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
USC shooting guard Chad Baker-Mazara scored 12 points in Saturday’s loss to Michigan, but that had more to do with his playing time (23 minutes) than anything else.
When Baker-Mazara logs 30-plus minutes, he typically clears this scoring line. He’s done so in each of his last six games with at least 30 minutes, dating back to late November. He’s cleared this scoring line 10 times all year.
Since I project USC to keep it close, I like Baker-Mazara’s chances to play enough to clear this number.
If you'd like another player prop for this game, look no further than our college basketball best bets today.
📊 Live USC vs. Michigan State odds
🤑 USC vs. Michigan State betting splits
Betting insights via BetMGM.
| Bet type | % of bets | % of handle |
|---|---|---|
| USC ML (+450) | 41% | 15% |
| Michigan State ML (-625) | 59% | 85% |
| USC +10.5 | 26% | 25% |
| Michigan State -10.5 | 74% | 75% |
| Over 150.5 | 31% | 35% |
| Under 150.5 | 69% | 65% |
📺 How to watch USC vs. Michigan State
- Date: Monday, Jan. 5
- Tipoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Breslin Center (East Lansing, Mich.)
- TV: FS1
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