Michigan State Spartans vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 01/27/26

Rutgers is starting to feel its season slip away after dropping three straight games, and things won’t get any easier as the Scarlet Knights welcome No. 7 Michigan State. Sitting 14th in the Big Ten, Rutgers is coming off a 23-point loss to Indiana where they shot just 36.2% from the floor. One could argue Indiana has a solid defense – holding opponents to 69.4 points per game and ranking 57th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency according to KenPom. However, things are going to be significantly harder for Rutgers as Michigan State holds opponents to 62.8 points per game and ranks first in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. 

Michigan State held Maryland to just 33.3% shooting on Saturday while shooting an impressive 60.7% from the floor and 47.4% from three. Jeremy Fears Jr. is coming off a monster performance with 17 points and 17 assists. The Sophomore’s vision and ball movement have been key for the Spartans all season, as he ranks second in the country in assists per game (8.9). Fears Jr. should have no trouble navigating this offense against a Rutgers defense that’s allowing 74.5 points per game. Michigan State is playing its best basketball of the season and has found its groove on both ends of the floor. Look for the Spartans to handle business on the road, making them my best bet of the day. 

Michigan State vs Rutgers prediction: Michigan State -14.5 (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.