Spartans Are +200 Favorites to Win Big Ten Regular-Season Crown

*Odds collected 9/11/2019.

Spartans 2019-20 Roster

Michigan State have their star, and 2019 Big Ten Tournament MVP, returning for his senior season; Cassius Winston. The Detroit, Michigan native averaged 18.8 points, 7.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game last year for the Spartans and also received the Big Ten Player of the Year Award.

Michigan State is also hoping for senior guard Joshua Langford to participate in the full 2019-20 season, as he played in just 13 regular season games last year. Despite playing in just over 10 games, Langford still managed to average 15.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game last season. Being able to add Langford for a full season will be crucial to Michigan State’s title run.

Michigan State lost Matt McQuaid, Kenny Goins, and Nick Ward, as they move on with their basketball careers this year. However, the Spartans added two recruits, Rocket Watts Jr. and Malik Hall, that will be able to provide an immediate impact.

Watts Jr. is a prolific scoring guard. Being a 6’2″ guard, he has the size to play with bigger guards, and the speed and skill to blow by defenders to create his own scoring chances.

Their second-highest ranked recruit in 2019 might be even more intriguing than Watts. Hall is a 6’7″ power forward that can play almost any position on the floor. Hall played point forward in high school, finishing with the third-most assists on his team behind two guards.

Strong Schedule Once Again

Michigan State started their 2018-19 season with a loss against then-#1 Kansas 92-87. This year, the Spartans schedule is just as tough. Some of their more notable non-conference games include Kentucky, Duke, Virginia Tech, and Seton Hall. The Spartans have lost to Duke in November three out of the last four years.

Michigan State was 16-4 in conference play last season, losing three in a row in early February and dropping both meetings against Indiana. For the last three seasons, the Spartans have struggled in late January and early February. However, behind Tom Izzo’s experienced coaching they always tend to get back on track quickly.

The Spartan Way

Although Michigan State is the shortest favorite to win their conference out of all Power 5 conferences right now, they are still the right pick to win the Big Ten.

Michigan and Maryland will be nipping at the heels of Michigan State, but both teams lost players and did not replace as well as the Spartans did. The Spartans still have Winston and Langford, their best two players from last year, and they added two young studs who will add versatility to their offense.

After the two freshman get settled in early in the season, the Spartans will be able to push the envelope for their 16th Big Ten regular season title.