Duke vs Michigan State Picks and Prediction for Tuesday November 10, 2026

The Michigan State Spartans will meet the Duke Blue Devils Tuesday night inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, as part of the State Farm Champions Classic. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 PM ET with coverage on ESPN. The Michigan State Spartans are the number 5-ranked team in the nation coming into Tuesday night, undefeated through two games played following a 30-point victory against Toledo last time out. The Duke Blue Devils are also undefeated this season, ranked #2 in the country following a 61-point victory in their last game. The Duke Blue Devils are a 6.5-point favorite Tuesday night and -270 on the money line. Michigan State is a +220, and the total is 149.5. For more action, see our College Basketball Picks.

Michigan State looks for a statement

The Michigan State offense has been phenomenal thus far this season, averaging 93.5 points on 55% shooting from the floor. Defensively, Michigan State has been just as stout, holding opponents to 60 points per game through its first two games played. Jeremy Fears Jr. is leading Michigan State this season, averaging 12.5 points and a team-leading 10 assists per game. Jordan Scott is second on the roster, averaging 11.5 points, and Coen Carr is averaging 11 points per game. Jasiah Jervis and Anton Bonke are both averaging 10 points per game this season, and Bonke leads the team, averaging 10 rebounds per game.

Defensively, Michigan State set the tone last time out, giving up just 61 points on 33% shooting and 24% from the outside. Michigan State won the rebounding battle by 25 and forced 12 turnovers in the win. Offensively, Michigan State rolled, scoring 91 points on 51% shooting and 43% from the outside. Jasiah Jervis led Michigan State last time out with 16 points on nine shots.

Duke looks to continue to dominate

The Duke Blue Devils are one of the best offensive teams in the country, averaging 98.5 points on 55% shooting per game. Defensively, Duke has been just as stout, allowing 55 points per game. Patrick Ngongba II is leading Duke this season, averaging 19 points and eight rebounds per game. Dame Sarr is second on the roster, averaging 14 points per game. Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje is averaging 12 points, and Caleb Foster is averaging 9.5 points per game. Cayden Boozer is averaging 10 points and leads the team, dishing out 7.5 assists.

Defensively, Duke did the work in its last outing, giving up just 52 points on 30% shooting and 18% from the outside. Duke won the rebounding battle by 26 and forced 17 turnovers in the win. Offensively, Duke was phenomenal, scoring 113 points on 61% shooting and 50% from beyond the arc. Big man Patrick Ngongba led Duke with 28 points on 13 shots.

Duke vs Michigan State Picks and Prediction

Pick: Duke Blue Devils -6.5

Duke has an abundance of talent on both ends of the floor, giving the Blue Devils an edge in this early-season showdown. Michigan State is a well-coached team that will make Duke work for everything, especially in the half-court. The Spartans have the physicality to challenge the Blue Devils inside and should remain within striking distance for much of the night. Duke's biggest advantage will come from its ability to create mismatches offensively and make Michigan State defend multiple scoring threats. This game could come down to the final few possessions, but Duke has enough individual talent to make the necessary plays and escape Chicago with the win and cover.

Total Pick: Under 149.5

Neither team will want to get caught playing at the other's preferred pace, which should create a physical battle from the opening tip. Michigan State has traditionally relied on disciplined defense and strong rebounding, while Duke has the length to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots around the basket. The Spartans should spend plenty of time working through their offensive sets rather than allowing the Blue Devils to turn this into a track meet. With both teams facing their first major test of the season, there could be some early shooting struggles as well. Points should be difficult to come by during stretches of this matchup, keeping the final score under the number.

Final Picks: Duke Blue Devils -6.5 and Under 149.5