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Indiana Basketball vs. Michigan State: 3 matchups to watch

By Trevor Gersmehl

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 02: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Devonte Green #11 of the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half at Breslin Center on February 2, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 02: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Devonte Green #11 of the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half at Breslin Center on February 2, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 21: Armaan Franklin #2 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after making the game winning shot against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 21, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 21: Armaan Franklin #2 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after making the game winning shot against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 21, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Armaan Franklin vs. Rocket Watts

Armaan Franklin played 23 minutes against Nebraska and really made an impact, recording eight points, six rebounds, and four assists. Since he played so well, it is likely he sees similar minutes Thursday.

Rocket Watts is the freshman successor to Cassius Winston and was a sleeper pick to win Big Ten Freshman of the Year in the preseason. Watts only averages 7.0 points and 2.1 assists per game off of the bench and has really struggled shooting the ball thus far in his career. However, he was a top-40 recruit and is an electric and exciting player with a bright future.

Armaan Franklin is nearly the polar opposite to Watts: he has little flash but has solid fundamentals and instincts even as a freshman.

Watching these two freshmen sixth men battle could be the X-factor for the game. They will probably be matched up on one another defensively, and this would be a great confidence booster for Franklin if he plays well.

Next. Armaan Franklin to see increased role, importance moving ahead. dark

A sub-100 recruit gets the chance to show up a top-40 prep-school Instagram highlight magnet. It is perhaps the most interesting sub-plot in a huge game for the Hoosiers.

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