Kentucky Wildcats guard Denzel Aberdeen (1) during the game against Nicholls at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky Nov. 4, 2025.

An annual college basketball tradition, the State Farm Champions Classic is a must-see event at the beginning of every season. This year's slate is no different, with four teams headlining the night.

The first matchup of the night pits two bluebloods against each other when the Michigan State Spartans (3-0) take on the Kentucky Wildcats (3-1) from the world-famous Madison Square Garden in New York City.

If you are looking for some betting advice for the matchup, we've got you covered. Here are the latest odds for the game, courtesy of DraftKings.

Stream Kentucky vs. Michigan State

Kentucky vs. Michigan State game odds

All college basketball odds via DraftKings

  • Spread: Kentucky -5.5 (-110), Michigan State +5.5 (-110)
  • Money Line: Kentucky -218, Michigan State +180
  • Over-Under: Over 154.5 (-110), Under 154.5 (-110)

Kentucky vs. Michigan State prediction, pick:

Is anyone surprised Michigan State is winning games with some grit and defense? That's Tom Izzo and the recipe is in full force through just three games, which is headlined by a key win over Arkansas. Kentucky is scoring at a rapid pace and bounced back after a tough loss to a Final Four contender, the Louisville Cardinals.

This is a fascinating matchup of the Spartans' front court going against Kentucky's backcourt. Michigan State is getting great contributions from forward Jaxon Kohler, who is averaging a double-double with 14.3 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. They also lean on center Carson Cooper and forward Coen Carr to play big. They have to play big in this one.

Kentucky guard Denzel Aberdeen is putting up 15.3 points per game, and on his heels is their other guard, Otega Owed, averaging 13 points per game. The difference maker here could be Mouhamed Dioubate. The Kentucky forward has the versatility to give the Spartans trouble.

Michigan State's tough, physical style of play keeps them in this game, but the Wildcats have too much offensive firepower for the Spartans and pick up a quality win.

Prediction: Kentucky 80, Michigan State 76

Best Bet: Michigan State +5.5

Kentucky vs. Michigan State start time, streaming:

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

TV Channel: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN App

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Kentucky vs. Michigan State: College basketball betting odds, prediction

Reporting by Riley Donald, College Sports Wire / College Sports Wire

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