The Michigan State Spartans take on the Kentucky Wildcats in New York, NY. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Kentucky is favored by -5.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -245. The total is set at 153.5 points.
Here’s my Michigan State vs. Kentucky prediction and college basketball picks for November 18, 2025.
Michigan State vs Kentucky Prediction
My Pick: Kentucky Team Total Over 80.5
My Michigan State vs Kentucky best bet is on the Wildcats to clear their team total. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Michigan State vs. Kentucky Odds
| Michigan State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -115 | 153.5 -115 / -105 | +200 |
| Kentucky Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -105 | 153.5 -115 / -105 | -245 |
- Michigan State vs Kentucky spread: Kentucky -5.5
- Michigan State vs Kentucky over/under: 153.5 points
- Michigan State vs Kentucky moneyline: Michigan State +200, Kentucky -245
Michigan State vs Kentucky College Basketball Betting Preview
Michigan State Basketball
Tom Izzo is in his 31st year at the helm for the Spartans.
Izzo, who was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, has been the definition of consistency since taking over the program three decades ago. Michigan State hasn't missed the Big Dance since 1997.
The Spartans are well on their way to another NCAA Tournament appearance this season, as they're 3-0 and are ranked 17th in the nation, according to the AP Poll.
The Spartans' best win of the season came against Arkansas, when they defeated the Razorbacks 69-66 last week.
Sparty is struggling to shoot the ball from outside, but the frontcourt has shined.
Senior Jaxon Kohler leads Michigan State with 14.3 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. His counterpart, Carson Cooper, has enjoyed a strong start to his season, as well, with 12 points and five rebounds a night.
Kentucky Basketball
Mark Pope's team will attempt to bounce back from a thrilling loss last week against Louisville.
Pope and the Cats begin the week ranked 12th in the nation with a 3-1 record.
Kentucky's three wins have all come over unranked mid-majors. The Wildcats most recently defeated Eastern Illinois, 99-53, at Rupp Arena on Friday.
Florida transfer Denzel Aberdeen has been outstanding to begin his Wildcat career, averaging 15.3 points and three assists per game.
Newark, New Jersey, native Otega Oweh, who was Kentucky’s leading scorer last season, has averaged 13.0 points and 3.8 rebounds a night.
Alabama transfer Mouhamed Dioubate has added 12 points and a team-leading 6.8 rebounds per evening.
Someone else will have to step up at the point guard position with Jaland Lowe out indefinitely after re-injuring his shoulder in practice.
Michigan State vs. Kentucky Betting Analysis
I've been extremely impressed with the Cats' offense over the last three games, as Kentucky ranks eighth in adjusted offensive efficiency, per KenPom.
While it's incredibly early in the year, I expect Kentucky to remain among the top teams in offensive efficiency as the season progresses, even without Lowe.
Kentucky is a talented shooting team that will play at a furious pace. Because of that, I think the Cats will set the pace in this game, which will bode well for the over.
Kentucky has cashed this team total in three consecutive games, including an 88-point performance against Louisville.
My Pick: Kentucky Team Total Over 80.5 (Play to 81.5)
