Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for March 2019

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 24: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans talks with head coach Tom Izzo while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 24, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 77-70. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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MADISON, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 12: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans dribbles the ball while being guarded by Charles Thomas IV #15 of the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half at the Kohl Center on February 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

5. Nick Ward returns for Michigan game

I can already hear all the Michigan fans celebrating this return, but Nick Ward could be back by the regular season finale on Saturday. Why are Michigan fans celebrating? Because they’ve taken the ankle-breaker Mo Wagner pulled on him and used that as a summary of his career at Michigan State.

It seems as if Michigan fans have gotten the wrong impression of Ward. In fact, if the Spartans get him back by the Michigan game and he and Xavier Tillman are on the floor at the same time, that could create a mismatch somewhere on the offensive side.

Defensively, Ward would guard Jon Teske who isn’t as athletic as Wagner, by any means, but who can extend the floor with his ability to shoot the three. Still, Ward is less likely to struggle on the perimeter with his defense against Teske while Tillman could match up with Iggy Brazdeikis or Isaiah Livers.

I’m predicting Ward will be back by the Michigan game and he will be there more so for his rebounding ability and to bring another body to the fight but he’ll end up with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

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