Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. pesky Oakland team

2. Jaden Akins scores 20

Will the real Jaden Akins please stand up.

It's been a tough start to the year for the junior guard after he decided to return to Michigan State following the testing of the NBA draft waters. He has the potential to be a real threat for the Spartans and could be a 15-17 points per game guy, but he needs to find his stroke and play consistent basketball. That just hasn't happened yet.

On the year, he's averaging 9.2 points and 4.9 rebounds which is actually a slight step back from last year. He's also shooting a career-low 30 percent from deep. That has to change.

And it's going to on Monday night as Akins will have his best offensive performance of the season, scoring 20 points to go along with seven rebounds and two steals. He's going to look like the guy we all expected to start the season.

If Akins can build on this and gain some confidence, this team is going to be scary.