Wednesday will mark the first Big Ten game of the season for Michigan State basketball and Minnesota as the Spartans and Gophers will square off in the barn at 8:30 p.m. ET.
The game might not take center stage on Wednesday night as there are intriguing matchups between UConn and Baylor, Auburn and Duke, and Marquette and Iowa State that will really elevate excitement for college hoops fans to begin the month of December. Outside of Feast Week, Wednesday night might have the best matchups of the season so far.
Michigan State and Minnesota will fly under the radar but it should be a better game than expected seeing as it starts conference play and no win on the road in the Big Ten is easy.
Minnesota is led by Dawson Garcia who is back and is averaging over 19 points per game to start the season while the Spartans have had balanced scoring from Jaden Akins and Frankie Fidler all the way to Szymon Zapala and Carson Cooper. This team could see anyone go off on any given night.
That's what makes Michigan State dangerous.
But what does Vegas think of Wednesday's Big Ten opener?
Note: Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of Dec. 4.
Line: Michigan State -5
Over/Under: 131.5
Moneyline: Michigan State -205 | Minnesota +170
If I'm a bettor, I'm probably not touching this. Not because I don't think the Spartans will win (I do), but rather I hate betting on any Michigan State games. I do think this game will be much tighter than anticipated through the first half before Michigan State eventually pulls away late and gets to the free throw line often. Jase Richardson and Frankie Fidler each have huge outings.
Prediction: Michigan State 79, Minnesota 66