The first game of a marquee doubleheader at the United Center in Chicago will feature one of the top nonconference matchups of the 2026-27 season when No. 2 Duke faces No. 5 Michigan State on Tuesday. The Blue Devils have won four of the last five meetings against the Spartans, including a six-point road win last season.
Where to Watch
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 10 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: United Center, Chicago
TV: ESPN | Live stream: fubo (Try for free)
Team Updates
Duke opened the season with wins over Army and Coastal Carolina. In a 113-52 victory over Coastal Carolina, big man Patrick Ngongba II posted 28 points and nine rebounds. The Blue Devils boast one of the deepest rosters in college basketball, with veterans like Caleb Foster and newcomers such as Deron Rippey Jr., Cameron Williams, Sebastian Wilkins, and Drew Scharnowski providing bench strength.
Michigan State also started 2-0 with wins over Quinnipiac and Toledo. Preseason Player of the Year Jeremy Fears Jr. recorded 20 assists in his first two games, including a 13-point, 11-assist double-double in just 26 minutes against Quinnipiac. Center Anton Bonke contributed 11 points and 13 rebounds in the opener.
Key Matchups
Duke's frontcourt size, led by Ngongba and freshman Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, presents a significant advantage over Michigan State's interior. The game will test the Spartans' defense against a deep Duke rotation that can go 10 players deep.
Predictions
Analysts favor Duke to cover the 6.5-point spread. Gary Parrish, Matt Norlander, David Cobb, Cameron Salerno, and Isaac Trotter all pick Duke to win straight up and against the spread. The consensus highlights Duke's frontcourt dominance and bench depth as decisive factors.
