larry-moreno-getty-images-st-francis.jpg
USATSI

The Michigan State Spartans are hosting the Iowa Hawkeyes in a Big Ten matchup on Thursday evening. The Spartans are 13-7 on the year and currently sit in fourth place in the conference standings. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes are 12-7 overall and are seventh in the Big Ten. Michigan State leads the all-time series 28-12 but has lost three straight matchups with the Hawkeyes.

Tipoff from the Bresil Center in East Lansing is set for 7 p.m. ET. The Spartans are 2.5-point favorites in the latest Iowa vs. Michigan State odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 146.5. Before making any Michigan State vs. Iowa picks, you need to see the college basketball predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer simulation model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every Division I college basketball game 10,000 times. The model enters Week 12 of the season 45-26 on all-top rated college basketball picks, returning more than $1,100 for $100 players. Anybody who has followed it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Michigan State vs. Iowa and just locked in its picks and CBB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Now, here are several college basketball odds and betting lines for Iowa vs. Michigan State:

  • Iowa vs. Michigan State spread: Spartans -2.5
  • Iowa vs. Michigan State over/under: 146.5 points
  • Iowa vs. Michigan State money line: Spartans -150, Hawkeyes +126
  • MSU: Spartans are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games
  • IOWA: Hawkeyes are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall
  • Iowa vs. Michigan State picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why Iowa can cover

Senior forward Filip Rebraca has taken major steps on the offensive end this season. Rebraca has a good low post-game and is able to consistently attack the defense from there. The Serbia native shows solid instincts as a shot blocker and rim protector. He is putting up 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per contest. Rebraca finished with a double-double in four of his past seven matchups.

Sophomore forward Payton Sandfor is a floor-spacing threat on the outside. Sandfor has a quick release and solid range on his jumpers. The Iowa native averages 10 points and 3.9 rebounds per contest. He found a groove lately, dropping 20-plus in two of his last four matchups. On Jan. 12 against Michigan, Sandfor tallied 26 points, seven rebounds and shot 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. 

Why Michigan State can cover

Senior guard Tyson Walker is a three-level scorer who owns a smooth jump shot. The New York native leads the team in scoring (14.3) with 2.6 assists while shooting 41% from downtown. In the Jan. 16 loss to No. 1 Purdue, he logged 30 points and went 4-of-8 from three.

Senior forward Joey Hauser is a tough and physical presence in the paint. Hauser can space the floor if needed and has the strength to overpower defenders down low. The Wisconsin native constantly fights for positioning to grab rebounds, leading the team with 7.7 rebounds and 13.8 points per game. He recorded six double-doubles thus far. Hauser dropped a season-high 22 points and six rebounds in his last game.

How to make Michigan State vs. Iowa picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 149 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in almost 60% of simulations. You can only see the model's picks at SportsLine.

So who wins Iowa vs. Michigan State? And which side of the spread hits in almost 60% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its college basketball picks, and find out.