Kentucky Basketball Game today: Kentucky vs Michigan St., Line, Predictions, Odds, TV Channel; Live Stream for Basketball Game Nov. 7

Kentucky basketball may have etched two wins so far in this young basketball season but its gets real tonight on the big stage as the Wildcats tangle with Michigan State in the State Farm Champions Classic and the bigger question fans are asking is will Oscar Tschiebwe be on the floor.

With wins over Howard and Duquanse coach John Calipari was forced to use a lot of players and lineups with Sahvier Wheeler out with an injury, Tshiebwe recovering from surgery, and Damion Colllins out due to his father’s passing.

Wheeler and Collins are back but Tshiebwe is an unknown as the Cats are in Indianapolis for the Champions Classic. This year it’s at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse where four most of the most successful programs in college basketball history are on display: Kentucky vs. Michigan State at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday, followed by Duke vs. Kansas at 9:30 p.m. ET.

The Spartans (1-1) defeated Northern Arizona 73-55 and had No. 2 Gonzaga in check for most of the game before falling 64-63. Their physical play will undoubtedly be a test for Kentucky.

For most teams having the reigning national player of the year sidelined and a question mark would spell LOSS. However, this Kentucky team is looking like something very special with a lot of depth at all positions, versatile players, and an arsenal of weapons missing from Calipari’s teams of late.

Calipari isn’t sure exactly what to expect from his team tonight. 

"“I have no idea what to expect,” Calipari admitted on Monday. “First of all, I don’t know if (Oscar Tshiebwe) is playing or how much he’ll play. Sahvir (Wheeler) just joined (the team). Daimion (Collins) had two days of practice before he left, then he came back. How’s he doing? That’s why I’ve said all along – it’s going to take us time to get this right.”"

With Tshiebwe out Lance Ware has gotten the bulk of the minutes and his bulked-up frame has proven to be a force. This is the type of game the Cats need Ware to bang and take up a lot of paint space.

Late addition freshman Ugonna Onyenso is a work in progress and while 7-foot he lacks the beef that will be needed. Still, in two games he netted 15 points, 14 rebounds, and seven blocks.

Chris Livingston has looked good, Antonio Reeves and CJ Fredrick are shooting lights out and for Jacob Toppin, this may be his big coming-out party showcasing he is ready to take that big leap and Cason Wallace nearly netted a triple-double.

Calipari said the changes and lineup the players have been working with are actually a positive along with the extra minutes on the floor in the opening pair of games.

“But, it gave Lance (Ware) a chance, Ugo (Onyenso) a chance, it gave Jacob (Toppin) a chance to play more, it gave Chris (Livingston) a chance to play three and four. It gave Cason (Wallace) a chance to be a point, which means if we have any hiccups, he can move to point and we’ll be fine.”

Kentucky will need to slow down 6-foot-9 Junior Mady Sissoko was the Spartans’ best player on the floor against Gonzaga and held Drew Timme in check a good portion of the game.

Kentucky basketball vs Michigan State Odds and Betting

Kentucky is a 7.5-point favorite according to FanDuel.  The over/under has been set at 140.5 points and the Moneyline has Kentucky at -300 and Michigan State at +240.

Kentucky vs Michigan State Prediction Today

Kentucky leads the Spartans 2-1 in the Champions Classic with the last being in 2019 in Madison Square Garden winning 69-62 as Tyrese Maxey exploded for 26 points to be the No. 1 team.

Overall Kentucky leads the series 14-11.

KenPom gives Kentucky a 77 percent chance of winning and predicts a 74-66 victory for the Wildcats. The ESPN Predictor has Kentucky with a 76.3 percent shot of winning

Wildcat Blue Nation staff prediction

Eric Thorne – Kentucky 73 Michigan State 69
Tyler Reed – Kentucky 75, Michigan State 70

What Channel is the Kentucky Basketball Game On

Today’s game will be on ESPN with tipoff set for 7 PM EST.

Play-by-play Dan Shulman

Analyst Dick Vitale

Kentucky versus Michigan State Live Stream

Today’s Kentucky game can be streamed live on the SEC Network, WatchESPN and on FuboTV.

Kentucky over the airwaves:

For the radio enthusiasts, our stellar team of Tom Leach (play-by-play), Jack Givens, and Dick Gabriel (sideline) will have the call on the UK Sports Network. They can be heard at 840 AM around Louisville and in the Lexington area at both 630 AM and 98.1 FM. If you are outside these areas check your local statins or you can always listen online at www.UKAthletics.com. The game also will be carried on satellite radio: Sirius (Channel 138), XM (Channel 190), and the SiriusXM app (Channel 961).

Kentucky’s Next Game and Upcoming Schedule

Kentucky returns to Rupp Arena to Thursday hosting South Carolina State at 7 PM on the SEC Network.   Here’s a look at their schedule for the following five games.

November 20 @ Gonzaga 7:30 PM ESPN

November 23 North Florida 4 PM SEC Network Plus

November 29 Bellarmine 7 PM TBD

December 4 Michigan in London, England 1 PM ABC

December 10 Yale 1 PM SEC Network.