Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. Buffalo

Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. Buffalo in non-conference finale

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 21: Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after making a basket during the second half of a college basketball game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at Breslin Center on December 21, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. The Michigan State Spartans won the game 67-54 over the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

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For the first time since mid-November, Michigan State basketball will be at full strength. It feels like it’s been a lifetime, but Malik Hall is returning and Jaden Akins has been healthy for a few weeks now. Buffalo will be the test dummy for a healthy Spartan team.

Michigan State is 8-4 on the season after winning three straight games and it’ll have a chance to head into conference play in January with some serious momentum.

A big win over Buffalo would be ideal.

Let’s get bold ahead of the Spartans’ non-conference finale.

3. Malik Hall scores 15 in first game back

There’s no doubt about it, Malik Hall will be on a pitch count on Friday night.

But that’s not going to stop me from drinking all the kool-aid regarding his return. Tom Izzo is probably going to limit him to 20-25 minutes, at most, against Buffalo, but I think that’ll be enough for him to shake off some rust and score 15 points in his first game back.

I can see Malik hitting a few big threes and throwing down a monster dunk to get the Breslin Center crowd into it. He’ll finish with 15 points and six rebounds in just 21 minutes.

This will be the perfect return for Hall and the Spartans.

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