Davidson vs Michigan State Odds, Lines and Spread

  • The Davidson vs Michigan State odds favor the Spartans by 1-point on Friday (March 18) at 9:40pm ET
  • Five of the Spartans’ last six games have eclipsed the total
  • Read below for the Davidson vs Michigan State odds, analysis, and betting prediction

Michigan State is making its 24th consecutive March Madness appearance on Friday (March 18th), looking to avoid being one and done for the second straight season. Last year, they fell in overtime to UCLA in a First Four game, and were then forced to watch the Bruins make a run all the way to Final Four.

This year, they’ve been dealt another difficult draw starting with Davidson in the First Round. The Spartans opened up as a 1.5-point favorite in the West Region’s 10 vs 7 matchup, but the line is moving towards the Wildcats.

Davidson vs Michigan State Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
Davidson Wildcats +100 +1 (-110) O 141 (-110)
Michigan State Spartans -120 -1 (-110) U 141 (-110)

Odds as of March 17th at Caesars Sportsbook. See all available Caesars Sportsbook promos. 

 

Michigan State is down to a 1-point favorite, in a game that features a total of 141. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:40pm ET at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC, with CBS providing the broadcast coverage.

Just a reminder before placing any bets this week, make sure to consult SBD’s March Madness betting promos. Online sportsbooks are literally giving money away in an effort to attract new clients.

Michigan State Spartans Analysis

The Spartans closed the regular season on a disappointing 3-7 run, and were in danger of not being a factor in the NCAA Tournament odds. Things changed in the Big Ten Tournament however, as Michigan State made it all the way to the semis, upsetting regular season co-champ Wisconsin along the way.

It was the Spartans second victory over the Badgers this season, in addition to victories over fellow March Madness teams Purdue, Michigan, Indiana, UConn and Loyola-Chicago. The deep conference tournament run should give them some momentum heading into the matchup versus Davidson, although they may be shorthanded.

Starting point guard Tyson Walker left the Big Ten semifinal with a sprained ankle and did not return. Michigan State is hopeful he can play on Friday, but a report on Thursday suggests he’s basically 50/50 to suit up. To make matter worse, Walker’s backup A.J. Hoggard also suffered an ankle injury in the same game, but was able to return after a brief absence.

The Spartans are without a contender in the Wooden Award odds and rely on a balanced scoring attack. Four players average over 9 points per game, while the team ranks top-21 in three-point field goal percentage and assists. If there’s a knock on Michigan State it’s their carelessness with the ball, but fortunately for them Davidson is abysmal at forcing turnovers.

Defensively, this is not the type of stingy unit we’re used to seeing from a Tom Izzo team. The Spartans rank 143rd in scoring defense, while forcing just 10 turnovers per game.

Grab the 6 Best NCAA Tournament Betting Promo Codes for Round of 64

Davidson Wildcats Betting Analysis

The Wildcats meanwhile, are making their 12th appearance in the March Madness bracket. They coasted to the Atlantic-10 regular season title by posting a 15-3 conference record, but were upset in the A-10 Tournament Final 64-62 by Richmond.

Nevertheless, this is not a team you want to meet in the First Round. They may not have the ceiling to be a player in the Final Four odds, but it shouldn’t shock anyone if they win a couple games. The main reason for the optimism is their terrific offense.

Davidson ranks 12th in offensive efficiency per KenPom, and are the sixth best three-point shooting team in the country. They average 75 points per game, while ranking 14th in effective field goal percentage, and 16th in assist-to-turnover ratio.

Defensively, the numbers are nowhere near as impressive. They yield 66 points per game, and rank 192nd at defending the three-point line. Given the Spartans’ prowess from beyond the arc, we should expect an efficient night for Michigan State’s shooters.

Davidson vs Michigan State Pick

Despite its lacklustre defense, Davidson is a prime candidate to pull off the upset here. I wouldn’t fault anyone for backing them, but don’t sleep on the over in this contest.

Five of Michigan State’s past six outings soared over the total, as did 14 of its 23 conference games. They don’t play a suffocating kind of defense that should worry the Wildcats, while Davidson’s offense is good enough to go toe-to-toe with almost any program.

Four of the Wildcats’ last five contests went over the number, and the over is 4-1 in their last five games versus top-75 opposition.

Pick: Over 141 (-110)


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Regional Previews

  1. East Region Odds — Baylor Earns Top Seed, Kentucky Favored
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  4. West Regional Odds: Gonzaga Odds-On Favorite to Reach Final Four

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Author: Stacy Hoffman