Best Bets For No. 18 Michigan State vs. No. 9 Duke

College Basketball Best Bets: No. 18 Michigan State vs. No. 9 Duke

College basketball is underway, and we here at BetQL couldn't be happier to have things rolling right along toward another exciting March Madness. We'll have you covered every step of the way, with best bets on all the biggest games, until someone is cutting down the nets. That includes this exciting matchup between the No. 18 Michigan State Spartans and No. 9 Duke Blue Devils, two of the better teams in college hoops this season. Let's get right into it.

Michigan State vs. Duke: Live Odds

Michigan State Spartans Outlook

The season certainly has not started how Michigan State wanted after being ranked so highly coming into the year. An opening-night loss to James Madison was embarrassing, to say the least, and then the Spartans failed to cover as 32-point favorites against Southern Indiana. They are now 0-2 ATS, and it has been ugly at times. Still, this is a team that is supremely talented and shouldn't be taken lightly, as it has a ton of veterans who can help guide this team back on the right track.

The offense lost its best 3-point shooter in Joey Hauser from last season, and you can already see that missing in this offense. They are shooting 2-for-34 from behind the arc so far, just 6.5% in two games. I don't need to tell you that means certain doom for any team if they can't shoot the 3, as it is pivotal in today's game of basketball. However, I would expect some positive regression, as it is almost impossible to continue shooting that poorly.

The MSU defense has been their strength, ranking 12th in defensive efficiency through two games. This is a team full of tall and long defenders, and they are one of the few teams that can actually match Duke's size inside.

Duke Blue Devils Outlook

Duke's loss to Arizona on their home court was surprising, but not totally shocking since the Wildcats are a very good basketball team. Still, it is always tough to win at Cameron Indoor, and Arizona managed to go in and pull off the upset over the Blue Devils. Despite getting 25 points from Kyle Filipowski, Duke suffered an early-season defeat.

Still, this is one of the most talented teams in the nation by far. Not only do they return Filipowski, who is one of the best players in the country, but Duke has an ideal combination of veteran leadership and underclassman talent. I wouldn't worry too much about the loss to the Wildcats. This is one of the deepest and most talented teams in the country, and Jon Scheyer is a great young coach.

I expect Duke to be fine, and the Blue Devils should be able to match MSU's height and length at every position. The defense is a very strong unit, and they will be able to match up well with the Spartans.

Michigan State vs. Duke Best Bet

My Pick: Under 141.5 (-110, BetRivers)

I like the under in this game, as I think both teams match up well with each other. There is no significant advantage for either team in terms of height or length, and with MSU's struggles at shooting the 3, I don't see this game being very high-scoring. Both teams also don't play at a fast pace and have longer possessions most of the time. They are also playing at the United Center, so nerves and unfamiliarity with the surroundings could be a factor.