Michigan State vs. Gonzaga: How to watch, odds, predictions from ESPN, KenPom

On3 imageby:Sam Gillenwater11/11/22

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Friday night’s matchup between Michigan State and Gonzaga is one of the most highly anticipated early matchups of the season. That’s not just because it features two high-level teams led by big-name coaches. It’s also because it will be played on the most unique venue of the season as, to honor Veteran’s Day, the Spartans and Bulldogs will compete onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln docked in San Diego.

With this very distinct game coming on the schedule tonight, all the predictions, odds, and analytics are here to help us break it down.

How to watch Michigan State vs. Gonzaga

Tip-off: 6:30 p.m. ET

Location: San Diego, California

Channel: ESPN

Vegas odds

Gonzaga is an 11.5-point favorite over Michigan State on Friday per VegasInsider. The over-under for the game is set at 145.5 points.

ESPN BPI prediction

Predicted winner: Gonzaga

Predicted point differential: 11.4

Win probability (for Gonzaga): 83.1%

Matchup quality: 79.2

ESPN’s College Basketball Power Index (BPI) is a tool that measures team strength and uses that to predict outcomes of future performances. It has Michigan State vs. Gonzaga ranked as the fifth highest-rated game on Friday’s schedule when it comes to matchup quality.

KenPom prediction

Predicted final score: Gonzaga 82, Michigan State 74

Win probability (for Gonzaga): 75%

KenPom is another tool that provides advanced analysis across college basketball. Like ESPN, KenPom also favors the Bulldogs to come out with a win tonight over the Spartans.

More on Michigan State vs. Gonzaga

Gonzaga comes in as the favorite because of the talent and experience on Mark Few’s roster. The No. 2 ranked Bulldogs are led by Drew Timme but the team also features impact players like Julian Strawther, Rasir Bolton, and Malachi Smith. However, every squad has to be ready to face the physicality that comes with playing a Tom Izzo-led team. With plenty of experience of its own, Michigan State should be able to keep up and will look to prove some of the listed predictions and odds wrong.