Tom Izzo expects Rocket Watts, Thomas Kithier to start tomorrow night vs. Albion

Michigan State still has not gotten word regarding transfer Joey Hauser’s appeal to play this season. Kyle Ahrens and Joshua Langford are both out. The depth, according to Izzo, has not separated itself as much as he hoped it would. Nevertheless, Izzo needs to put out a starting five tomorrow night against Albion and he said today to reporters that he is leaning towards starting Rocket Watts and Thomas Kithier tomorrow.

Here is what that starting lineup would look like:

• PG Cassius Winston
• SG Rocket Watts
• SF Aaron Henry
• PF Thomas Kithier
• C Xavier Tillman

Izzo says Rocket Watts and Thomas Kithier are likely to be in the starting lineup vs. Albion.

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 28, 2019

However, do not be surprised if we see Marcus Bingham Jr. or Malik Hall in the lineup instead, as Izzo made it clear that it is basically a toss-up at this point for that final spot. It sounds like Rocket Watts is a lock to start at the shooting guard position, it is more a question of the wing position at this point.

UPDATED at 12:38pm ET: Rocket Watts will start.

Izzo affirms that Rocket Watts WILL start vs. Albion.

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 28, 2019