Duke College Basketball Odds Vs. MSU: Will Blue Devils Cover In Champions Classic?

Within the highly anticipated Champions Classic on Tuesday, No. 9 Duke is set as a favorite versus No. 19 Michigan State at the United Center in Chicago. Meanwhile, the Spartans are to win straight up, with a total of . Will the Blue Devils cover this big non-conference game? Let’s dissect MSU vs. Duke basketball odds, including key metrics and matchups to hone in on.
Click any odds to place a bet at the best sports betting sites. The following odds are the best available prices in your state.
Duke basketball odds vs. Michigan State
Sportsbooks in North Carolina are projected to go live in 2024, providing potential legal online wagering for March Madness odds.
Which Offense Bounces Back?
Both teams suffered losses in the first week of the college basketball season. Michigan State’s defeat at the hands of James Madison, which closed as a 16.5-point road underdog, was a tad more surprising. We’ll address that showing later, yet the Blue Devils notched just 0.96 PPP versus much-improved Arizona at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Duke’s offensive sets were a mess in the first 10 minutes before settling in. But Arizona’s length still managed to force its opponent into difficult spot-up shots in half-court action, particularly with Tyrese Proctor and Mark Mitchell, who combined 1-of-10 shooting from behind the arc. Tommy Lloyd’s crew even finished plus-15 on the glass, predicating to its preferred uptempo style. This category was a significant key to the handicap.
However, the Spartans aren’t nearly as lethal defensively or in the rebounding department. Look for the Blue Devils’ pick-and-roll offense to deliver higher efficiency. Tom Izzo aims to utilize his fast-paced offense at the other end of the court, like the Wildcats. Duke’s transition defense is more of a liability, as Arizona illustrated. But unless MSU outperforms expectations defensively, Jon Scheyer’s bunch will likely dictate the pace.
Additionally, Michigan State’s half-court offense has been one-dimensional, shooting just 6.5% from 3-point territory. This percentage will eventually rise, considering it’s only a two-game sample size. Nevertheless, the Spartans’ perimeter shooting should have been more of a concern. Not only did they lose four-man Joey Hauser, but they also generated the 12th-worst shot selection across D-I last season (per ShotQuality). Their 39.3% efficiency from deep was due to dip.
Finding some semblance of success with the physical A.J. Hoggard in ball-screen action is critical. Then again, the 6-foot-4 combo guard must rediscover consistency with his jumper.
Final Thoughts
I have Duke power rated more than a possession higher than Sparty. You can see my top-25 college basketball power rankings for more insight. Good luck with your bets on Duke basketball odds.
- Join TheLines.com’s sports betting Discord channel, with over 4,200 members, talking NCAA basketball odds and more.
BEST SPORTS BETTING PROMO CODES FOR COLLEGE BASKETBALL
If you’re in a state with legal sports betting, TheLines has you covered with the best sportsbook promo codes for all your wagers on Duke basketball odds or any other collegiate game.
21+ in most states to use sportsbook bonus codes. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.