Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for Butler matchup

Nov 12, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan StateÕs bench erupts on a shot in the second half players are Tyson Walker(2), AJ Hoggard(11) Max Christie(5) and Gave Brown(44) at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 12, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan StateÕs Max Christie(5) eyes the basket, flanked by teammate Mady Sissoko(22) and Western MichiganÕs Lamar Norman Jr(11) at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Max Christie finally has his breakout game

Through two games, Max Christie is still trying to find his footing. He’s shooting just 28 percent from the floor and 30 percent from 3-point range but you have to realize that this is expected from a true freshman who is being expected to contribute heavily early on.

Tom Izzo has put a lot of pressure on Christie and he’s been singing his praises all offseason, but he has struggled through two regular-season games despite starring in the exhibitions.

Replacing guys like Aaron Henry, Rocket Watts, and Josh Langford isn’t easy, especially for a true freshman. He’s basically expected to assume the role of Henry right away but there has obviously been an early bump in the road.

All Christie needs is that one big game to really get his confidence flowing. That’s going to happen on Wednesday night at Butler.

Christie is going to have his best game of the year with 20 points and some stifling defense. He’ll also shoot over 50 percent from the floor and hit some huge threes.

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