#17 Michigan vs. #8 Michigan St. Predictions, Picks & Odds: CBB on CBS, 3/9

The stage is primed for an intense in-state rivalry as the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans welcome the No. 17 Michigan Wolverines for their regular-season conclusion. That said, we’re coming in hot with some #17 Michigan vs. #8 Michigan St. picks today!
Will Michigan State maintain its home dominance and enhance its NCAA Tournament positioning, or can Michigan alter the narrative and gain momentum as it heads into the postseason?
#17 Michigan vs. #8 Michigan St. Predictions Today: Sunday, 3/9
Having already clinched the Big Ten title, Michigan State aims to conclude its conference schedule on a high note, honoring its seniors in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Breslin Center.
Conversely, Michigan approaches this contest with a desire for retribution after suffering a defeat to the Spartans earlier in the season. Let us explore the critical storylines, betting odds and #17 Michigan vs. #8 Michigan St. predictions for this eagerly awaited clash.
Michigan Wolverines: Needing To Right The Ship
The season for Michigan has been characterized by significant fluctuations, showcasing both remarkable performances and periods of disappointing inconsistency. The offensive unit, led by the formidable presence of Vladislav Goldin (averaging 16.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game), has demonstrated moments of offensive prowess, yet has encountered difficulties in crucial matchups.
A commendable defensive effort, allowing opponents a field goal percentage of 40.8 (ranking 36th nationally), has contributed to their competitiveness; however, lapses in performance against higher-ranked teams have been detrimental. As the season approaches its conclusion, the Wolverines are optimistic about achieving a consistent rhythm in preparation for the upcoming tournament.
Michigan State Spartans: Big Ten Champions
Michigan State has solidified its reputation as a formidable defensive team, currently positioned fifth nationally in terms of opponent three-point shooting percentage at 28.5%.
Although the team's performance from beyond the arc is a point of concern, with a shooting percentage of 29.9% ranking 348th in the country, the Spartans have excelled in rebounding, averaging 36.9 rebounds per game, which places them seventh overall.
Their success has been particularly evident in intense, low-scoring contests. Under the guidance of Tom Izzo, this team is well-prepared for the challenges of March, characterized by resilience, discipline and the potential for a significant postseason run.
#17 Michigan vs. #8 Michigan St. Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
Caesars Sportsbook has released the #17 Michigan vs. #8 Michigan St. odds and betting lines for the game, and here’s what they look like right now:
- Michigan Wolverines (+235) vs. Michigan State Spartans (-290)
- Spread: Michigan +6.5 (-110) vs. Michigan State -6.5 (-110)
- Game Total: Over 147 (-105) vs. Under 147 (-115)
#17 Michigan vs. #8 Michigan St. Spread Pick: Spartans -6.5 (-110 at Caesars)
Let’s roll with Michigan State -6.5 (-110 at Caesars) for our #17 Michigan vs. #8 Michigan St. predictions.
The Wolverines appear to be struggling significantly on the court, exhibiting their poorest performance at a critical juncture in the season. They have suffered two consecutive defeats and have lost three out of their last five games, including a 13-point setback at home against MSU just a fortnight ago.
Their guard play has been inconsistent, and when facing a disciplined and robust Spartans defense, this situation could lead to considerable challenges. In contrast, MSU has demonstrated strong form, winning six of their last seven contests, and this game coincides with Senior Night in East Lansing.
The atmosphere is expected to be charged, and Coach Izzo’s team will be motivated to deliver a decisive victory for their senior players against their in-state rivals. Our #17 Michigan vs. #8 Michigan St. predictions anticipate that the Spartans will dictate the tempo and extend their lead in the latter stages of the game.
#17 Michigan vs. #8 Michigan St. Injury Report & Starting Lineup
Michigan Wolverines Injury Report
- S. Walters (F) – Questionable (Back)
Michigan Wolverines Projected Starters
- N. Burnett (G) – (10 PPG, 41% 3PT%)
- V. Goldin (C) – (16.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG)
- D. Wolf (F) – (12.7 PPG, 9.6 APG)
- T. Donaldson (G) – (11.9 PPG, 4 APG)
- R. Gayle (G) – (10.4 PPG, 3.5 APG)
Michigan State Spartans Injury Report
- C. Walton (F) – Out (Redshirt)
Michigan State Spartans Projected Starters
- S. Zapala (C) – (4.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG)
- J. Akins (G) – (13 PPG, 3.6 RPG)
- J. Kohler (F) – (8.1 PPG, 7.8 RPG)
- J. Fears (G) – (7 PPG, 5.5 APG)
- J. Richardson (G) – (11.3 PPG, 38.8% 3PT%)
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Player News
Dolphins signed No. 13 overall pick DT Kenneth Grant to a four-year contract.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Grant will sign his contract today. The former Michigan defensive tackle is expected to fill a major void left by Christian Wilkins, who left for the Raiders in the 2024 offseason. Grant totaled 32 tackles, three sacks, and seven TFLs in his final season at Michigan and excelled at stopping the run while also generating 27 pressures in his final season, per PFF.
Daulton Varsho picked up three hits, three RBI and a homer in a win over the Angels on Thursday.
Varsho has only played in seven games this year, but they’ve been seven good ones. He’s homered three times already, and his slugging percentage is a remarkable — and entirely unsustainable — .727 over 22 at-bats. Varsho has been a mediocre offensive player in his two seasons with the Blue Jays, but it’s possible at the age of 28 he’s having a breakout campaign. Far from a guarantee, but possible.
Taylor Ward hit a two-run homer in a loss to the Blue Jays on Thursday.
Ward, 31, gave the Angels a 2-0 lead with a two-run homer off Chris Bassitt in the first inning. He’s now gone deep in two of his last three games, and it ‘improves’ his slash to .181/.224/.391. Ward has been one of the most hot/cold players players in the sport over the last few years, so fantasy managers who can afford to make some roster moves may want to look at Ward while the going is good.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. picked up three hits and scored twice in an 8-5 win over the Angels on Thursday.
Guerrero also drew a walk. It gives the first baseman multiple hits in back-to-back games, and it’s the third time in May that he’s reached that mark. That’s helped raise his average from .268 to .295, and the only thing fantasy managers can be disappointed with is his .432 slugging percentage. That number should continue to climb as the season unfolds, but Vladdy Jr. has had some inconsistent seasons when it comes to power production.
Chad Green picked up his first save of 2025 with a scoreless ninth against the Angels on Thursday.
Green got the save after Jeff Hoffman worked in back-to-back games — and struggled — in the first two contests against the Angels. He struck out two and looked the part while needing just nine pitches to get through the inning. Hoffman should remain the closer, but Green is on his tail if the struggles were to continue.
Chris Bassitt allowed five runs — four earned — while working six-plus innings against the Angels on Thursday while picking up a win.
Bassitt allowed three runs over the first two innings on a pair of homers, but settled down over his next four frames. He came out to work the seventh, but ended up being charged for two more runs after leaving the contest. The 36-year-old veteran has forged a 3.35 ERA and outstanding 49/8 K/BB ratio over the first quarter of the season, but this wasn’t him at his best. He’ll get the Rays next week if the rotation order stays the same for Toronto.