Michigan State vs. Auburn Player Props: Targeting Chad Baker-Mazara, Jeremy Fears Jr. In Elite Eight Showdown
In the final game of the Elite Eight, No. 1-seeded Auburn takes on No. 2-seeded Michigan State with a Final Four appearance on the line. The Tigers have used dominant second halves en route to victory in the NCAA Tournament, while Michigan State came from behind to stave off an upset-hungry Ole Miss squad. Here are two player props for Michigan State vs. Auburn in the Elite Eight finale from Charlie DiSturco.
Charlie DiSturco - March 30, 2025, 12:45 PM EDT
5 minMichigan State vs. Auburn Player Props: Targeting Chad Baker-Mazara, Jeremy Fears Jr. In Elite Eight Showdown
The Elite Eight is coming to an end and in the finale, we've got No. 1-seeded Auburn taking on No. 2-seeded Michigan State with a Final Four appearance on the line. The year of chalk continues in the NCAA Tournament and the South region has been no different.
While I don't have a play on the side, there are two player props that present buy-low opportunities. Here are my two favorite bets for Michigan State vs. Auburn.
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Michigan State vs. Auburn Odds
Michigan State vs. Auburn Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
- Time: 5:05 PM ET
- How to Watch: CBS
Click here for latest Michigan State vs. Auburn Odds
Michigan State vs. Auburn Player Props
Chad Baker-Mazara over 10.5 points (-114) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
This is definitely a terrifying bet when you consider the fiery nature of Chad Baker-Mazara. He is a physical player that fouls a lot, and isn’t immune to being ejected from high-intensity games. But that fiery nature is also a reason why I want to bet his over and buy low on his upside.
Baker-Mazara showed us what he was capable of against Creighton. In just 21 minutes, the senior poured in 17 points. He’s a high-volume shooter and can create off the dribble, which is massive here against a Michigan State team that can lack size at times.
Recently, Michigan State deployed a starting lineup where no player aside from center Jaxon Kohler stood taller than 6-foot-5. For a quick, long Baker-Mazara, he should be able to draw contact and attack downhill.
While he's finished with six or less points in two of the three NCAA Tournament games, the shot volume has been there. Baker-Mazara has attempted at least nine shots every game.
This 10.5 number just feels too low. Baker-Mazara has finished with 11+ points in 24-of-36 games this season (67%) and is best scoring inside – which is where the Spartans struggle the most.
Michigan State is outside the top 100 in 2-point defense and will likely throw the majority of its focus at slowing down superstar Johni Broome. That should allow for Baker-Mazara to take advantage in the pick-and-roll, as well as working off-ball while Broome faces constant doubles.
Based on playing time and usage alone, Baker-Mazara should be closer to 11.5/12.5 points in my opinion. I’m happy to bet this over here.
Jeremy Fears Jr. Over 11.5 Points + Assists (-122) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
On the opposite side, I like the matchup for Michigan State facilitator Jeremy Fears. While he is an elite pass-first guard, Fears is also one of the best Spartans at drawing fouls (5.2 per 40 minutes).
Similar to Baker-Mazara, Fears is not going to be the focal point of this Michigan State offense. Denver Jones will likely be attached to Jase Richardson’s hip. So players like Fears and possibly even Jaden Akins will have an opportunity to take advantage.
Fears is another buy-low candidate. He has scored just nine total points in each of the last two matchups (1-of-7 shooting), and while he isn’t a high-usage guard, he’s often much more efficient. He has also been to the free-throw line 8+ times in four of the last six games.
He has been an integral part of Michigan State’s offensive success, even if it doesn’t come from his shooting. Fears has tacked on 5+ assists in six of his last eight games, and ranks eighth in the country in assist rate.
Michigan State should continue to operate through Fears, who can take advantage from Auburn’s defensive attention being put elsewhere. For what it’s worth, the Tigers are also 310th in FTA/FGA, which could play well down the stretch in a tightly-contested game.
Auburn’s defense looks to run opponents off the perimeter and toward Johni Broome and/or Dylan Cardwell. That’s where Fears is most comfortable, attempting just over a fifth of his shots from deep.
Because of his facilitating capabilities, I like taking the points + assists for Fears. He will likely have the ball in his hands most possessions, and should be key here down the stretch for the Spartans.
Michigan State vs. Auburn Player Props
- Chad Baker-Mazara over 10.5 points (-114) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best price on Michigan State vs. Auburn player props
- Jeremy Fears Jr. Over 11.5 Points + Assists (-122) Click here for complete Michigan State vs. Auburn odds
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