Michigan State vs. Wisconsin: Odds, final score predictions from ESPN, KenPom

The Big Ten quarterfinals get underway Friday, meaning a showdown between Michigan State and Wisconsin is coming. Vegas odds predict a close game, and ESPN and KenPom have made their predictions, as well.

Here’s how to watch the game, along with the different predictions.

How to watch Michigan State vs. Wisconsin

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Network: Big Ten Network

Vegas odds

According to VegasInsider, the Badgers are 2-point favorites over the Spartans in the Big Ten quarterfinals. The over/under for the game is 138.5.

ESPN BPI prediction

ESPN’s College Basketball Power Index (BPI) measures team strength and predicts future performances across the sport. The BPI prediction from ESPN has Wisconsin with a 52.9% chance of advancing to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. It’s the second-best game of the night behind Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina in the ACC Tournament.

Projected winner: Wisconsin

Predicted point differential: 0.7

Matchup Quality: 93.4

KenPom prediction

KenPom is another tool that predicts and projects college basketball results. Like ESPN, KenPom projects Wisconsin to advance — but it’s going to be really close.

Predicted winner: Wisconsin

Predicted final score: Wisconsin 70, Michigan State 69

Win probability (for Wisconsin): 53%

Wisconsin’s Johnny Davis provides status update ahead of Big Ten Tournament

Wisconsin had a rough go on Sunday after Johnny Davis suffered an injury. The Badgers got some good news on Wednesday, though.

Davis told reporters his ankle is doing better, via the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel’s Jeff Potrykus. However, he noted he got hit by an elbow and the officials didn’t call it — and he’s still not happy about it.

“Johnny Davis says his ankle is fine,” Potrykus tweeted. “But he adds the elbow he took was uncalled for. No place in the game for it. Still salty.”

The big question, though, is Davis’ status for the Big Ten Tournament. Wisconsin is the No. 2 seed after losing to Nebraska on Sunday — and because Illinois beat Iowa, which gave the Fighting Illini the No. 1 seed. The Big Ten Player of the Year sounds like he’ll be good to go for tip-off on Friday.

“Johnny Davis: The plan is to play and be there for my team,” Potrykus tweeted.

Davis had a huge regular season for Wisconsin to become the Big Ten’s top player. He averaged 20 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while shooting 44.6% from the floor. He had 10 points in 11 minutes against Nebraska before leaving with that ankle injury.

Wisconsin plays its first game of the conference tournament in the quarterfinals on Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET against No. 7 Michigan State.