Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan State Spartans Betting Preview

The Big Ten Conference is taking a page out of the NBA book and playing games on Christmas Day this year. There are a number of great games on the schedule, including a matchup between the Wisconsin Badgers and Michigan State Spartans. 

Wisconsin enters this game with an overall record of 7-1, and the Badgers are 1-0 in Big Ten play. The Badgers enter this game as the ninth-ranked team in the country.

Michigan State is 6-1 so far this season, but it is 0-1 in Big Ten play. The Spartans suffered a blowout loss to Northwestern earlier in the week, and they will be looking to bounce back on Christmas.

The Wisconsin Badgers are one-point favorites over the Michigan State Spartans on Friday. 

Wisconsin Defense Getting it Done

The Badgers have been one of the best defensive teams in the country this season, and that is why they are off to such a great start. Wisconsin is allowing just 57.5 points per game, and this team will look to its defense to take control of this game. 

Wisconsin is scoring over 77 points per game, but this team won’t win any games with its offense. The Badgers will look to slow things down in Big Ten play and let their proven system take control of the games. 

Micah Potter currently leads the team with 13.4 points per game, but he is one of four Badgers in double figures. Wisconsin is shooting nearly 42 percent from the three-point line, and another hot shooting game would lead the team to a win in this one. 

Spartans Want to Score

The Spartans will look to get this game to a much quicker pace in hopes of wearing down the Badgers. Michigan State is averaging 82 points per game, and the Spartans have the ability to put up points in a hurry.

Joey Hauser leads the team with 12.1 points per game, but the Spartans are still looking for someone to take over the game. Michigan State is shooting less than 35 percent from the three-point line, and shooting has plagued this team.

The Spartans have the ability to be a great defensive team, but they struggled against Northwestern. Michigan State will look to turn this game into a high-scoring affair to impose their will. 

Badgers Stay Red Hot

Winning at Michigan State is never an easy task, but the Breslin Center is not as scary without the presence of fans. Michigan State looked like a national title contender to begin the season, but that loss to Northwestern came as a shock.

Wisconsin has been on a roll of late, and its defense is simply hard to ignore. The Badgers might not have a legitimate NBA talent on the roster, but there are plenty of scoring threats that can get the job done.

Expect a close game on Christmas, but Wisconsin is simply the better team. Bet on the Wisconsin Badgers to cover the small spread and leave Michigan State with another victory.

For more Dunkel Index picks, check out our college basketball picks page.