Butler Bulldogs vs Michigan State Spartans Point Spread Picks

Butler was 14-18 last season and struggled when stepping up, losing to No. 22 Tennessee (71-45), No. 3 UConn (68-46), and NC State (76-61). The Bulldogs are off to a 3-0 start but it was against Eastern Michigan, Southeast Missouri State, and East Tennessee State. Butler is 5-14 ATS as an underdog. No. 18 Michigan State is 143-111 ATS at home against winning teams and 119-86 ATS versus opponents with a winning percentage of 80% or higher. The Spartans won't be in a good mood after losing 74-65 to Duke in the Champions Classic. The defense, as usual, has been great holding three opponents to 37% shooting, including 28% from 3-point land. Michigan State is 45-17 ATS as home chalk of six to nine points, plus 10-2 ATS at home after playing a game as an underdog. The Spartans whipped Butler two years ago, 73-52, so back home court. Play Michigan State.