MICHIGAN ST SPARTANS @ DUKE

A neutral-site test, despite the home designation

Duke is listed as home, but the Champions Classic is at Chicago’s United Center, making this a neutral-floor test for two nationally ranked teams.

Michigan State’s work on the glass travels

The Spartans outrebounded Toledo 52-27 and had 27 second-chance points in a 91-61 win; those advantages will be harder to reproduce against Duke.

Fears is setting the table

Jeremy Fears Jr. followed an 11-assist opener with nine against Toledo, while Jasiah Jervis scored a team-high 16 in that game. Michigan State’s ability to convert Fears’ creation into perimeter scoring will be tested against Duke; Izzo said the Spartans are not shooting a very good percentage right now.

Ngongba gives Duke an interior focal point

Patrick Ngongba II erupted for 28 points and nine rebounds against Coastal Carolina. Scheyer describes Ngongba as a big who can post, shoot, handle and playmake, and says he wants to give him the green light.

Pick Ideas

Angles drawn from the matchup analysis above and refreshed as the news changes. They are a separate read from the LineCrush pick for this matchup, so the two can land on different sides.

Michigan State +6.5

A small lean toward Michigan State +6.5 as a spread-only position, with Izzo stressing that the Spartans cannot miss free throws or commit turnovers.

Modest under 148.5 lean

A modest under 148.5 lean: Michigan State and Duke have allowed 60.0 and 51.0 points per game across two games, and Scheyer says Duke’s ball pressure and pickup point have been higher.

Pass on Duke at -270 as a standalone

Pass on Duke at -270 as a standalone; Scheyer cautioned that the scoring will not be there every night, leaving little room for error at that price.