Michigan vs. Michigan State odds, props, predictions: Can Spartans take care of business against struggling in-state rivals?

The Wolverines are 6-14 record against the spread and have been playing really poorly in Big Ten play. They have not covered or won in any of their last four. Looking at their last nine contests, they have only won and covered once. Their offense has been strong lately, hitting the OVER for total points in their last three in a row, but their defense has been so poor it has not kept any of the three in single digits.

Except for the last game against Wisconsin, the Spartans have been playing really well. They have won three of their last four, covering the spread in two to bring their season-long ATS record to 10-10. The Spartans' offense has improved in conjunction with their better play, hitting the OVER in nine of their last 12.

Tonight's game will be the first of two conference matchups for the Wolverines and Spartans. Here is the Michigan vs. Michigan State betting news, player props and a betting prediction for tonight's Big Ten matchup. The game tips off at 9 p.m. on Peacock.

Live odds for Michigan vs. Michigan State

Here are the spread, moneyline and total points live odds for Michigan vs. Michigan State at the best online sportsbooks.

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Michigan Wolverines betting news

The Wolverines are not playing good basketball, and many factors are to blame for their lack of success. They rank 45th for adjusted offensive efficiency, and their defense is downright pitiful, ranking 168th for adjusted defensive efficiency on Kenpom. In fairness to the Wolverines, they have played the third-ranked strength of schedule but have not been winning many of those challenging matchups.

Another factor has been the suspension of their leading scorer, Dug McDaniel (17.2 PPG), for academic reasons. Without him, Michigan will have to lean on Olivier Nkamhoua (16.3 PPG) and Terrance Williams II (12.7 PPG) even more. Their frontcourt pairing is strong, but without McDaniel the Wolverines really need a guard to step up.

Nimari Burnett Jr. (9.7 PPG) is one player who needs to raise his level of play, but other guards need to pitch in as well. That may be tough to come by as the Wolverines are deep at the forward spots, but McDaniel and Burnett are the only guards on the team to play more than 15 minutes per game. One player that could help is Jace Howard, who returned from injury four games ago. The team needs the coach's son to step up now that he is healthy. 

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Michigan State Spartans betting news

The Spartans are trying to fight their way into shape after a rough start to the year. Every time it appears they have turned a corner, they slip up again, like they did in their last contest against Wisconsin. The Spartans rank 34th for adjusted offensive efficiency and 21st for adjusted defensive efficiency on Kenpom, metrics that would indicate a team with a better overall record than 12-8. 

The Spartans have not had very much luck, ranking 345th, and playing the 10th-ranked strength of schedule does not help. If Michigan State wants to start winning games more consistently, fifth-year senior Malik Hall will be vital. Hall has scored in double figures 12 times this season, and Spartans are 8-4 in those games. They're 4-4 when Hall is below 10 points.

Star guard Tyson Walker averages 19.3 PPG and is shooting 40.3% from three. He also leads the team in steals with 1.9 a game. He can't do it alone, though, and if he can continue to get more consistent play from Hall, the Spartans will be a team no one wants to face in the NCAA Tournament. 

Michigan vs. Michigan State player props at Caesars Sportsbook

Here are some of the top player prop markets for Michigan vs. Michigan State from Caesars Sportsbook.

Olivier Nkamhoua prop bets

• 14.5 points OVER (-115) / UNDER (-127)
• 6.5 rebounds OVER (-107) / UNDER (-137)
• 2.5 assists OVER (-119) / UNDER (-123)
• 0.5 threes OVER (-248) / UNDER (+162)

Terrance Williams II prop bets

• 11.5 points OVER (-125) / UNDER (-117)
• 4.5 rebounds OVER (-102) / UNDER (-143)
• 1.5 assists OVER (+151) / UNDER (-228)
• 1.5 threes OVER (-129) / UNDER (-113)

Nimari Burnett prop bets

• 9.5 points OVER (-104) / UNDER (-141)
• 4.5 rebounds OVER (+106) / UNDER (-155)
• 2.5 assists OVER (-119) / UNDER (-123)
• 1.5 threes OVER (+111) / UNDER (-164)

Tyson Walker prop bets

• 18.5 points OVER (-111) / UNDER (-131)
• 2.5 rebounds OVER (-108) / UNDER (-135)
• 3.5 assists OVER (-178) / UNDER (+120)
• 1.5 threes OVER (-198) / UNDER (+133)

A.J. Hoggard prop bets

• 13.5 points OVER (-117) / UNDER (-125)
• 3.5 rebounds OVER (-107) / UNDER (-137)
• 5.5 assists OVER (+106) / UNDER (-155)
• 0.5 threes OVER (-208) / UNDER (+139)

Malik Hall prop bets

• 13.5 points OVER (-105) / UNDER (-139)
• 5.5 rebounds OVER (-155) / UNDER (+106)
• 2.5 assists OVER (-104) / UNDER (-141)
• 0.5 threes OVER (-164) / UNDER (+111)

Michigan vs. Michigan State prediction: Spartans handle rivals at home

The Wolverines are playing their worst basketball of the season. They're missing their leading scorer to do suspension, and have to play in a hostile environment. Michigan State is playing really well over their most recent stretch of games and should have a big advantage at the guard position, giving them an edge over their rivals.

Pick: Michigan State