On Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Northwestern Wildcats will take on the #12 Michigan State Spartans at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, MI. This Big Ten conference game is set to tip off at 6:30 PM ET and will be broadcast on BTN. The Spartans are the favorites with a spread of -12.5, while the Wildcats enter as underdogs with a moneyline of +688.

Northwestern vs. Michigan State Betting Prediction

• Spread Prediction: Northwestern +12.5 (-110). Northwestern has struggled against the spread this season, but Michigan State has also been inconsistent in covering large spreads. Northwestern might keep the game closer than expected.
• Over/Under Prediction: Over 142.5 (-114). Northwestern’s games have frequently gone over the total, with a 70% rate in their last 10 games. Both teams have strong offenses, which could lead to a high-scoring game.

Team Trends

• The game is at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan.
• Michigan State is the favorite with a spread of -12.5.
• Northwestern has not won any games as an underdog this season.
• Michigan State has won all 12 games as a favorite.
• The over/under for the game is set at 142.5 points.

Northwestern vs Michigan State Preview

The Northwestern Wildcats will meet the Michigan State Spartans on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Breslin Center. Northwestern holds an 8-6 record this season, with a recent loss to Minnesota by 6 points. They have shown some strong performances, like their 20-point win against Howard. Nick Martinelli has been a standout player, scoring 26 points against Minnesota.

Michigan State is ranked #12 and has a 13-2 record. They recently secured a 29-point victory over USC. Jaxon Kohler and Coen Carr have been key players, contributing to the team’s success. The Spartans are favored to win, with a spread of -12.5. The game will air on BTN at 6:30 PM ET.

Spartans Shine at Home

The Michigan State Spartans have a strong record this season. They are ranked #12 and have a 13-2 record. At home, they have won 11 out of 12 games. In their recent game against the USC Trojans, the Spartans won by 29 points. Jaxon Kohler and Coen Carr were key players, scoring 16 and 18 points. Jeremy Fears Jr. also contributed with 15 points and 7 assists. The Spartans have impressive season stats. They average 79.1 points per game and have a high field goal percentage of 46.3. Their defense is solid, with 5 blocks per game.

Wildcats Look to Upset

The Northwestern Wildcats hold an 8-6 record this season. They have been stronger at home with a 7-4 record. On the road, they have managed only one win in three games. In their latest game, the Wildcats lost to the Minnesota Golden Gophers by 6 points. Nick Martinelli was a standout player, scoring 26 points. Jayden Reid also played well, adding 19 points and 7 assists. The Wildcats average 80.4 points per game. They have a field goal percentage of 49.0, which ranks them 41st. Their defense records 4.1 blocks per game.

Final Betting Pick

Northwestern at +12.5 is a good pick because they have a decent chance to keep the game close. Michigan State has been strong at home, but they have not always covered large spreads. Northwestern’s offense, which scores 80.4 points per game, can help them stay competitive.

The over 142.5 is also a solid choice. Northwestern’s games have often gone over the total, and their offense is ranked 130th in points per game. Michigan State also has a capable offense, scoring 79.1 points per game, which could lead to a high-scoring game.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.