Michigan State Faces a Tough Road Test at Seton Hall

For just the fourth time since the start of the 2018 season, the Seton Hall Pirates will be a home dog on Thursday night against the Michigan State Spartans.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Early bettors jumped on Seton Hall as a big home underdog, driving the line down a full point and a half from Michigan State -7.5 to -6. The total also saw a big shift from its opener of 144, moving down 2.5 points to 141.5 points.

Michigan State News & Notes

Cassius Winston played through tragedy last Sunday in Michigan State’s home opener, recording 17 points and 11 assists in the team’s 100-47 win and cover against the Binghampton Bearcats. Winston’s younger brother had died the previous day after being struck by a train, setting the stage for an emotional night in East Lansing on Sunday. As the Spartans continue to mourn, they will try to find solace on the basketball court.

Michigan State was a strong bet on the road in 2018-19 as the team enters Thursday night’s matchup with an 8-3 SU and ATS record in its last 11 games on the road. The Spartans are 15-4 SU in their last 19 road games.

Seton Hall News & Notes

Seton Hall lost its best player, Myles Powell, to an ankle injury in the team’s last game against the Stony Brook Seawolves. This offense is built around Powell, who averaged 23.1 points per game last season and scored 27 in the Pirates’ season opener against the Wagner Seahawks. The Pirates avoided disaster as the injury does not appear to be as serious as initially feared, but it will likely still keep Powell out of this showdown against the Spartans.

The total has gone OVER in four of Seton Hall’s last five games overall and in 11 of its last 12 games played on a Thursday. It will be interesting to see how the Pirates offense and team totals are affected by Powell’s absence.

Betting Pick: Michigan State -6

With Myles Powell, the Pirates would have a great shot at an upset in front of what should be an electric home crowd. But with Powell sidelined, the experienced Spartans should continue their road warrior status with a win and cover.