Michigan State will try to inch closer to another Final Four when it squares off against No. 3-seeded Kansas State in the East regional semifinal on Thursday at Madison Square Garden.
The No. 7-seeded Spartans are fresh off a 69-60 upset win over No. 2 Marquette on Sunday. Michigan State is two victories from coach Tom Izzo‘s ninth career Final Four, which would pull even with Roy Williams for fourth-most of any coach.
Kansas State has won two tournament games for the first time since 2018 and is the highest remaining seed in the East region. The Wildcats held off No. 6 Kentucky, 75-69, in a slight upset to qualify for the Sweet 16.
Here’s a look at the best bets for Michigan State vs Kansas State.
Pat Pickens’ March Madness Betting Record: 8-11 (-5.5 units)
Kansas State vs Michigan State Odds
Note: CBB odds mentioned in this article for Michigan State vs Kansas State were used from DraftKings Sportsbook, unless otherwise noted, and are current as of 2 p.m. ET on Monday, March 20.
- Moneyline: Michigan State (-130) • Kansas State (+110)
- Spread: Michigan State -2 (-110) • Kansas State +2 (-110)
- Total: Over 137.5 (-110) • Under 137.5 (-110)
Kansas State vs Michigan State Pick of the Day
Keep reading for this NCAAB bet of the day and more Kansas State vs Michigan State betting tips.
Kansas State vs Michigan State Prediction
Kansas State 74, Michigan State 70 (OT)
The Spartans have played a ton of super-close games this season. They’re 13-6 in games decided by 10 points or fewer, including a 4-1 record in nonconference games.
But Kansas State has been exceptional in tight games, going 14-4 in games decided by 10 or fewer points, including its six-point win over Kentucky. The Wildcats are flying firmly below the radar as showcased by their underdog status for the second straight game — despite wearing home colors as the better seed — for some reason.
This game should be very competitive. I think the Wildcats have more scoring depth and are tough defensively, too — the Spartans are allowing 67 points per game, but the Wildcats are only surrendering 68.
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Kansas State vs Michigan State Best Bets
Kansas State Moneyline (+110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The winner of this game should make it to the Final Four, and I think each coach believes that. If you look at Michigan State’s first two games, its best players — forward Joey Hauser and guard Tyson Walker — have been its best players in each game.
Kansas State has had players aside from all-Big 12 first-teamer Keyontae Johnson step up, including Markquis Nowell (27 points), Nae’Qwan Tomlin (12 points), and Desi Sills (12 points) who each surpassed his season average in points during its win over Kentucky.
Read more KSU vs MSU Sweet 16 betting tips:
Hauser may be able to defend Johnson, who averaged 17.5 points per game. But if he does, who is going to score for MSU?
The Wildcats can win with limited contributions from their best player, but we don’t know if MSU can, hence the pick.
Over 137.5 Points (-110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
K-State has surpassed 70 points in six of its past seven games and five of its past six wins. The Spartans have scored 69-plus in five of six.
Plus, if the game reaches OT, as I predicted, the Over will have five extra minutes to hit.
