The Oakland Golden Grizzlies (4-8) head to No. 10 Michigan State to take on the Spartans (9-2) in a game that has the potential to be high-scoring. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018.
Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs. Michigan State Spartans Free Prediction
The Golden Grizzlies are hoping for a better outcome after their 87-86 loss to the Toledo Rockets in their last contest. Toledo made good use of their 25 trips to the charity stripe, making 21 of them (84.0 percent). Oakland, meanwhile, was just 13-23 (56.5 percent). Xavier Hill-Mais was the game’s high scorer with 30 points on 14-for-21 shooting.
In the Spartans’ last game, they were beaten by the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks, 92-87. Kansas’ 11.6 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Michigan State, who had a rate of 19.5. Michigan State’s Kenny Goins finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds in the game.
The high-octane offense of Michigan State (11th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 118.5) will go head-to-head against the porous defense of Oakland (349th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 118.4). The Spartans should have the advantage on that end of the court. Furthermore, the Golden Grizzlies rank 40th in turnover percentage (16.5 percent), while the Spartans rank 348th in opponents’ turnover percentage (14.9 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Hill-Mais (0 points) has been stellar for the Golden Grizzlies while Cassius Winston (0 points) has made great contributions to the Spartans.
After the Spartans won the sole contest against the Golden Grizzlies last season, 86-73, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. Michigan State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.4 vs. 26.2). Oakland, meanwhile, did a terrific job of making free throws (19-23; 82.6 percent).
Oakland Golden Grizzlies at Michigan State Spartans Betting Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Michigan State ranks fifth in rebounds per game (44.5) while Oakland ranks 248th (28.2).
The Spartans average 20.5 assists per game, which ranks fourth in the nation. The Golden Grizzlies rank 210th in assists allowed per game (15.9).
Oakland ranks 28th in three pointers allowed per game (18.8) while Michigan State ranks 136th (22.7).
The Spartans rank 17th in blocks per game (5.5) while the Golden Grizzlies rank 105th (3.2).
Oakland ranks 123rd in steals per game (6.1) while Michigan State ranks 125th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Grizzlies have outscored opponents by an average of 6.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Oakland has been defeated by an average of 1.2 points.
During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 92.2 points per game (5.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.6 points per game (2.5 below their season average).
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