Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Michigan State Spartans Prediction & Game Preview - 12/11/2021

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Venue: Jack Breslin Student Events Center, East Lansing, MI

Where to watch: BTN

DraftKings: Michigan State -10

BetMGM: Michigan State -10.5

Caesars: Michigan State -10.5

Penn State: 5-4

No. 19 Michigan State: 8-2 (1-0 Big Ten)

It's the Big Ten home opener for the Michigan State Spartans, and it shouldn't be too difficult of a task when they host the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday.

The Spartans are looking for their fourth straight win and are trying to open conference play 2-0; Michigan State is coming off a 75-67 win at Minneosta on Wednesday. Joey Hauser had an impact on that gam e with 10 points and seven rebounds; the junior big man has grabbed at least five rebounds in seven of 10 games this season.

Michigan State's defense has always been a calling card for Tom Izzo, especially in the defensive game. Izzo is getting signs of another talented guard with freshman Max Christie leading the charge. Christie was the Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week on Dec. 6 when he averaged 12 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2 assists through two games. The 6-foot-6 guard is coming off a 3-block game against Minnesota.

One look at the KenPom rankings and you see why Michigan State is such a tough cover. The Spartans are fourth in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency; they rank 14th in block percentage, 24th in 3-point percentage defense, and effective field goal percentage.

Michigan State's ability to turn defense into offense is what makes them such a tough out. There's no superstar on this Spartans team but they'll hound teams like it's no tomorrow.

It wouldn't be a shock to see Penn State struggle against this group. Even though the Lions have four players who average double figures, they don't have that takeover-type player. Seth Lundy averages 14.3 points per game, but when two of your top four scorers are transfers, it's hard to find the homegrown talent to carry you to the promised land.

We're starting to see Michigan State's strength of schedule come into play. MSU had the sixth strongest schedule in the country this season, the lone top-tier program to be in the top 10 against its opponents. Expect that to carry through the rest of conference season, and I like Michigan State in front of its home crowd to cruise to victory. Michigan State by 20

Penn State is 11-7 ATS as a road dog in its last 18.

Penn State is 10-13 ATS in its last 23 off a home win.

Michigan State is 21-30 ATS as a favorite in its last 51 games.

Michigan State is 48-26 ATS in its last 74 when leading their last two games by 10 points or more at halftime.

PG: Seth Lundy

SG: Myles Dread
SF: Jaheam Cornwall
PF: John Harrar
C: Jalen Pickett

PG: Tyson Walker

SG: Max Christie
SF: Gabe Brown
PF: Joey Hauser
C: Marcus Bingham Jr.