Washington Huskies vs Michigan State Spartans Prediction, Odds and Picks for Thursday, 01/09/25

The Washington Huskies (10-5) will make their first journey out east as a member of the Big Ten on Thursday night, with their first conference road game tipping off in East Lansing at 8:00 pm ET against the Michigan State Spartans (12-2). The Huskies made things interesting at home against Illinois on Sunday, but ultimately they never held a lead – despite making it look close on paper in the final few minutes. It was their 2nd loss in their last 6 games, as well as their 3rd conference loss in 4 games. Meanwhile, Sparty has been on a roll. Michigan State has not lost since the Maui Invitational during Thanksgiving week. Its run of 7 wins includes victories over North Carolina, Minnesota, Nebraska and Ohio State.

Michigan State’s run should continue. The Spartans have enjoyed nearly a week off following their road win in Columbus, which puts them at a massive advantage against a Washington team that played on Sunday and had to travel across the country. Washington’s offense has struggled mightily in conference play, as it currently ranks dead last in the Big Ten in adjusted offensive efficiency and effective field-goal percentage. That’s going to be a problem against a Michigan State team that is 1st in the Big Ten in offensive and defensive efficiency. The Spartans live in the mid-range and love to get to the free-throw line, and Washington isn’t going to prevent them from getting to those areas. For reference, Washington is 339th in mid-range opportunities allowed, as well as 209th in opposing free-throw rate. This is a tough matchup for Washington on both sides of the floor, so I will lay it with the Spartans in this spot. 

Washington vs Michigan State prediction: Michigan State -13.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to -14.5.

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