Michigan State vs. North Carolina Basketball Preview

Spartans against Tar Heels on Thanksgiving beats any football game

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo yells to his players during a game against San Jose State on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. | Starr Portice, Michigan State Spartans on SI

Michigan State basketball will play against arguably its most dangerous opponent on Thanksgiving afternoon, the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Michigan State is coming off a dominant performance against East Carolina and will look to come away with its second win while in Fort Myers.

Against East Carolina, it was an all-around effort. Everyone on the roster got involved and got playing time as the Spartans would win 89-56.

The two standouts for Michigan State were senior center Jaxon Kohler and sophomore backup point guard Divine Ugochukwu who both led the team in scoring with 16. For Ugochuku, it was a shining moment for him as he solidified himself as the leader of the second unit. 

North Carolina

North Carolina is one of the hottest teams in the country, as they are also 6-0 on the season after beating St. Bonaventure. The Tar Heels are led by freshman phenom Caleb Wilson, who has been not only one of the best freshmen in the country but also one of the best players in the country this season. 

Nov 25, 2025; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) reacts after a foul against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies in the first half at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

On the season, Wilson is averaging team highs in points (20.5), rebounds (10.3), and steals (1.7). Being 6”10, Wilson is a defensive menace as he can guard every position on the court. His quickness and long arms allow him to stay with point guards, and his big frame allows him to be physical with any center.

The Tar Heels have been without star guard Seth Trimble for some time as he was injured during practice. 

Nov 11, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) watches from the bench in the second half against the Radford Highlanders at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

For Michigan State, the front court is going to have its handles full not only with Wilson, but also Henri Veesaar who is second on the team in points per game with 16.3, and first in blocks with 1.7.

The Key to the matchup

Michigan State is going to need to make jump shots in this game. Over the past three games against Kentucky, Detroit Mercy, and East Carolina, Michigan State has shot the three ball well with the percentage being over 30% in each game.

UNC has two elite front court players who both lead their team in steals and blocks. The front court is going to have its work cut out for them down low. 

However, if the Spartans can make shots outside the arc early, the defenders will move up along the three point line. That will make it easier for driving lanes to open up, and for cutting players to get open.

This will be a great matchup to watch on Thanksgiving, so get your dinner plates ready because it's going to be a good one.

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