Michigan State vs. Michigan prediction: College basketball picks, odds, best bets

Sunday’s rivalry game in East Lansing features two college basketball teams headed in very different directions. No.17 ranked Michigan will hit the road to take on No.

8 Michigan State amidst their toughest stretch of the season. Over the last six games since upsetting Purdue in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines have been as shaky as it can get, winning three of six against sub-par competition. In their three wins, Michigan beat Ohio State, Nebraska and Rutgers – who have a combined Big 10 record of 25-32 – by just eight combined points. Against tougher competition – Illinois, Maryland, and their opponent on Sunday, Michigan State – they lost by double-digits on their home floor. Tom Izzo’s Michigan State, on the other hand, is playing some of their best basketball of the season with key victories over big time opponents, powering them into Big Ten title contention. The Spartans have won six straight, including wins over ranked Big Ten contenders Purdue, Maryland, Wisconsin and, of course, Michigan. The last time these two teams faced off, the Spartans proved they’re the true title contenders. Michigan State’s dominant defense, which ranks No.18 in the country, held Michigan to just 62 points last time out, their lowest total of the season, during a 13-point win.If they Wolverines couldn’t keep it close on their home floor less than a month ago, I’m not betting on them to do it on the road.These teams may be close in the standings, but the Spartans’ talent is in another league.Take the home team on Sunday. The play: Michigan State -6.5 (-110, FanDuel Sportsbook)...