Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. No. 18 Alabama

Potentially down two key players, Michigan State basketball will have its hands full against No. 18 Alabama on Thursday night in the first round of the PK85.

Malik Hall has been ruled out with a foot injury and will likely miss a couple of weeks for the Spartans and Jaden Akins is still dealing with a tweaked foot/ankle from the Villanova game. If both are out against the Spartans, things could get rough.

But let’s try to think positive since this team is, in fact, No. 12 in the country for a reason.

Now onto the bold predictions.

3. Pierre Brooks hits four threes

I’ve been lobbying for more Pierre Brooks minutes all season long and it’s going to pay off on Thursday night as the sophomore wing will get hot from deep and hit four big threes for the Spartans.

Interestingly enough, he may not need to do this off the bench as Malik Hall has been ruled out for the game and could miss a few weeks so this could be his first start and a good way to show that he’s earned more time.

Hitting a handful of threes and making up for that lost production with Hall out is a good way to get on Tom Izzo’s good side. Brooks is going to leave his mark on this one.

Hopefully his defense matches his offense.