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Michigan vs. Minnesota live stream: Betting odds, TV channel, prediction

By Mike Phillips

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 03: Mike Smith #12 of the Michigan Wolverines looks to make a play against a Northwestern Wildcats defender during the second half of a college basketball game at Crisler Arena on January 3, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 85-66. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 03: Mike Smith #12 of the Michigan Wolverines looks to make a play against a Northwestern Wildcats defender during the second half of a college basketball game at Crisler Arena on January 3, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 85-66. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /
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Michigan and Minnesota are set to square off in a Big Ten battle.

It will be a rough and tumble year in the Big Ten, which could send as many as 11 teams to the NCAA Tournament when all is said and done. Two of the league’s best are set to square off in Ann Arbor tonight as No. 16 Minnesota takes on No. 10 Michigan at the Crisler Center.

The Wolverines are the last unbeaten team in the Big Ten, racing off to a 9-0 start overall and a 4-0 mark in conference play. Juwan Howard’s team has demonstrated remarkable focus this season, avoiding upsets and taking care of business against a tough schedule.

One of the strengths for Michigan is attacking down low, where center Hunter Dickinson and forward Isaiah Livers thrive in the paint. Guard Franz Wagner also crashes the glass with regularity, averaging seven rebounds a game, and is knocking down 51.2 percent of his field-goal attempts.

While most experts expected Michigan to be a Big Ten contender the emergence of Minnesota has been a major surprise. The Golden Gophers have made their mark with a 10-2 record and a 3-2 record in Big Ten play on the strength of huge home wins over Iowa, Michigan State and Ohio State.

Junior guard Marcus Carr has also proven to be a star for Minnesota, averaging 22.1 points per game and 5.9 assists per night. Carr’s emergence has made him the centerpiece of the Golden Gopher’s offense, allowing others like center Liam Robbins and guard Both Gach to play complementary roles.

This game will mark a big test for Minnesota, which hasn’t demonstrated an ability to win a true road game yet, losing by double-digits at Illinois and Wisconsin. Picking up a victory at Michigan would signify that the Golden Gophers are a legitimate threat to win the Big Ten.

How to bet and watch Minnesota at Michigan

    • Date: Wednesday, Jan. 6
    • Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
    • Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
    • Venue: Crisler Center
    • TV: Big Ten Network
    • Live Stream: Fox Sports
    • Line: Michigan -6.5 (FanDuel)
    • Prediction: Michigan 74, Minnesota 71

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