The No. 2 Michigan State Spartans (1-0) and the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils (2-0) battle at United Center. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN.
Duke Blue Devils vs. Michigan State Spartans Free Preview
The last time the Blue Devils played, they dismantled the Utah Valley Wolverines, 99-69. Marvin Bagley III was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 11-for-17 shooting. Duke dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 13.0 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.603. For those same stats, Utah Valley put up marks of 20.4 and 0.418, respectively.
The Spartans will look to maintain momentum after blowing out the North Florida Ospreys in their last outing, 98-66. Michigan State was led by Jaren Jackson Jr. who recorded 13 points and 13 rebounds. Michigan State played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.410 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 48.3. North Florida was 0.136 and 23.9, respectively, for those same stats.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, this will be a balanced matchup. Since the 2016-17 season, the Michigan State offense ranks 43rd in the nation in that metric at 0.542, while the Duke defense ranks 54th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.474). Also, the Blue Devils rank 38th in turnover percentage (16.5 percent), while the Spartans rank 316th in opponents turnover percentage (16.3 percent).
The Blue Devils won the sole game against the Spartans last season, 78-69. The Blue Devils 10.7 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Spartans, who had a mark of 22.7.
Duke Blue Devils vs. Michigan State Spartans Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Duke, ATS Winner – Duke, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Spartans rank 50th in rebounds allowed per game (32.7) while the Blue Devils rank 94th (33.7).
- Duke ranks 24th in three pointers allowed per game (17.9) while Michigan State ranks 65th (19.2).
- Michigan State ranks 12th in assists per game (17.0) while Duke ranks 154th (13.6).
- The Blue Devils rank 132nd in steals per game (6.3) while the Spartans rank 267th (4.5).
- Duke ranks 11th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Michigan State ranks 81st (3.0).
