NCAA Basketball Michigan State Spartans vs Kansas Jayhawks: Tips and Predictions 11-12-24

The Jayhawks look like the best team in the country on paper, but it’s early, and that’s paper. Michigan State doesn’t look to have the athletic ability that Kansas has, they do have Tom Izzo as a coach but will that be enough to overcome the talent difference in this game?

Michigan State Spartans vs Kansas Jayhawks

• Point Spread: Kansas -6.5
• Moneyline Kansas -275
• Moneyline Michigan State +225
• Over/Under 150.5

Kansas remains built around three veteran players—defensive star Dajuan Harris Jr., KJ Adams Jr., and All-American Hunter Dickinson—who remain its core.

Kansas gained instant title contention when Bill Self introduced shooting via the portal, and the trio of AJ Storr, Mayo, and Rylan Griffen instantly transformed them into title contenders. Kansas holds an overwhelming advantage when Dickinson pulls Michigan State’s slower bigs out to defend Kansas’ perimeter defense.

Dickinson is one of the nation’s premier passing bigs and consistently shoots 35% or better from 3-point range.

How will Jaxon Kohler and Szymon Zapala defend outside the arc? Probably not effectively — speed and defensive ability aren’t among their strong suits.

The Jayhawks can take advantage and force Tom Izzo to pull some of his more traditional bigs off the floor, leading him to switch to a smaller lineup that allows Dickinson more post-up opportunities.

Michigan State and Kansas’ rosters were constructed differently; Kansas relies heavily on transfers, while Michigan State brought in just two transfers – Frankie Fidler and Zapala.

One of the key differences for the Spartans lies in their inexperience at the point guard position. Jeremy Fears Jr. took over for former point guard AJ Hoggard and has done well so far, tossing 16 dimes in just two games—although he has yet to face an aggressive defender like Harris.

Will Fears be able to lead Izzo’s offense with Harris as his spear-carrier?

With Tyson Walker no longer around, Jaden Akins must step up as their top scoring option – and so far, that has happened as Akins leads the team with 16.5 points per game through two matches.

Akins must improve his 3-point shooting, something Michigan State has struggled to do through two games. Longer-term concerns about Michigan State’s shooting don’t exist, though, as Fidler, Booker, and Akins all possess capable shooting arms; perhaps they simply haven’t found their groove yet.

Fidler averaged 20 points per game at Omaha and could be key in unlocking perimeter shooting for Minnesota. His shot-creation and catch-and-shoot ability stood out in the Summit League.

Jase Richardson (Jason Richardson’s son), could become an equally critical piece of the Spartans lineup and might become their second scoring threat.

Jase is more than the son of a former college champion and long-time NBA player; he’s an impressive scorer, tallying double figures in his first two games.

Michigan State aims to win by using its defense, but that won’t be easy against Kansas.

Michigan State vs Kansas Moneyline

Moneyline value doesn’t exist in this game to me as I do not see a Spartans win and the odds on a Kansas win are not good enough to make a moneyline bet. To find the best line, you need accounts with multiple sportsbooks, and we got you covered as we break down the best sports betting app

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Kansas -6.5

• Kansas is the deeper team
• Neutral site
• Kansas will play fast

New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES

Get bonus now

The best NCAA betting sites

To satisfy the ever-growing market of NCAA bettors, the best basketball sportsbooks offer unique user experiences, huge payouts, and fantastic bonuses. Gamers no longer have to go to casinos to find some physical action. Online bookies let you play the game of risk from the comfort of your own home. We hope our guide can point you in the right direction so you can find the best gambling experiences on the internet.

Best Brand

FanDuel Promo

New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days

Join now!

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB

Best Slots

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Bonus here!

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Newcomer

DraftKings Promo

New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES

Join now!

To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Award

Fanatics Promo

Get Up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash

Get bonus now

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)

Michigan State vs Kansas Over/Under Analysis

The over/under on this game is a tough pick. Both teams are very talented and score points in bunches. The Spartans will try to play this game at a slower pace and that will not work. Kansas will overwhelm the Spartans. I am going to bet the over but I am not betting a lot on it.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet the over 150.5

• High scoring game
• Neutral site
• Whoever controls the pace of the game wins

New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES

Get bonus now

Prediction: I expect a high-energy game and the team that controls the pace will win the game. The Jayhawks are experienced and talented and will pull away in the second half. Kansas 85  Michigan State 70

Bet Kansas -6.5