It figures to be a high-scoring affair as the Oakland Golden Grizzlies (4-8) travel to 10th-ranked Michigan State to take on the Spartans (9-2). The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018.
Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs. Michigan State Spartans ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Spartans lost to the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks, 92-87, while the Golden Grizzlies lost a close one to the Toledo Rockets, 87-86.
Oakland had a much better turnover percentage (3.9 vs. 17.6) while Michigan State had a better free throw rate (0.390 vs. 0.290). Michigan State’s Kenny Goins played well, finishing with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Xavier Hill-Mais played a key role for Oakland with 30 points and nine rebounds.
The Spartans won the sole contest between these two teams last year, 86-73. The Spartans’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Golden Grizzlies. Michigan State had a rate of 42.4, while Oakland posted a mark of 26.2. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Golden Grizzlies’ Hill-Mais has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Cassius Winston has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Spartans.
Michigan State could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their high-powered offense squares off against one of the country’s worst defenses. The Spartans currently rank 11th in offensive efficiency, while Oakland ranks 349th in defensive efficiency. The Golden Grizzlies should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 40th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.5 percent). Conversely, the Spartans force the fifth-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 14.9 percent).
Oakland at Michigan State ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Oakland, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Michigan State ranks fifth in rebounds per game (44.5) while Oakland ranks 248th (28.2).
- The Spartans rank 17th in blocks per game (5.5) while the Golden Grizzlies rank 105th (3.2).
- Oakland ranks 123rd in steals per game (6.1) while Michigan State ranks 125th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
- The Spartans rank fourth in assists per game (20.5) while the Golden Grizzlies rank 210th in assists allowed per game (15.9).
- Oakland ranks 28th in three pointers allowed per game (18.8) while Michigan State ranks 136th (22.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 25.6, up from 17.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Golden Grizzlies have scored an average of 78.4 points per game (0.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.4 points per game (6.7 below their season average).
