Purdue vs. Michigan State Prediction: Will Purdue Expose Michigan State?

Purdue vs. Michigan State Prediction: Will Purdue Expose Michigan State?

The Purdue Boilermakers are three wins away from winning the Big Ten regular season. But first, Purdue will have to take on a reeling Michigan State team, on the road. Michigan State has lost six of its last seven games, but is still an incredibly dangerous team, especially at home. Will Purdue expose Michigan State or will Michigan State finally get back to winning in February under Tom Izzo.

Here are our picks and predictions for the Big Ten matchup between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Michigan State Spartans.

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Purdue vs. Michigan State Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

• Date: Saturday, February 26
• Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
• Where to Watch: ESPN

Click Here for Purdue vs. Michigan State odds

Purdue vs. Michigan State Injury Report

Purdue

Out: F Brian Waddall (Knee)

Michigan State

No Injuries to Report

Purdue vs. Michigan State Line Movement

Purdue vs. Michigan State Prediction

The Michigan State Spartans have been absolutely dreadful lately, losing multiple games by 20 or more points. The Spartans were one of the top teams in college basketball seven games ago, but now have analysts asking if Michigan State should even be considered for an NCAA Tournament bid. The Spartans currently have an effective field goal percentage of 51.9 percent and turn the ball over at a high rate of 20.1 percent per game. Purdue isn't a major threat when it comes to takeaways but that's still something to keep an eye on. The Spartans also average 31.7 percent offensive rebounds per game while Purdue is holding opponents to just 23.5 percent rebounds per game. Therefore, it might be a bit harder for Michigan State to earn second chances. On the offensive end, the Spartans have been deadly from three, hitting 38 percent from deep. Inside the arc, however, Michigan State only hits 49.3 percent of looks. Michigan State also shoots a 76.2 percent rate at the line, but the Spartans might not be nearly effective from the charity stripe with Purdue limiting opponents from getting to the line. Meanwhile, Purdue is one of the best offenses in the nation. This team is knocking down a ridiculous amount of shots this season. The Boilermakers are shooting 40.3 percent from deep and 56.9 percent from inside the arc. They've also done a solid job limiting turnovers and have earned a large amount of offensive rebounds this season. Michigan State’s defense hasn’t been elite, but the Spartans have done well enough. These stats are from the full season, so lately, the stats haven't been nearly as good. Still, Michigan State has limited opponents to a 46.4 percent effective field goal percentage, with teams hitting just 30.7 percent from three and 46.6 percent from inside the arc. In reality, even with Michigan State’s above-average defense at home, Purdue should be able to score at will against Michigan State. The thing is, Michigan State just goes through four-minute periods without scoring the basketball recently. That's just not going to cut it.

Purdue Boilermakers vs. Michigan State Spartans Pick

• PICK: Purdue -2.5 (-110) (Bet $110 to Win $100)