Betsided

Ohio State vs. Minnesota Prediction and Odds (Golden Gophers Dealing With Significant Injury Issues)

By Matt De Saro

E.J. Liddell and the Ohio State Buckeyes match up well against a banged-up Minnesota squad.
E.J. Liddell and the Ohio State Buckeyes match up well against a banged-up Minnesota squad. / Doral Chenoweth/Columbus Dispatch / USA
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The Big Ten is back in action tonight when the No. 16 Ohio State Buckeyes head to William’s Arena to square off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Due to injury issues, the Buckeyes have a great chance to roll right over this team and continue their climb up the B1G standings. Despite a win in their last game, the Golden Gophers were without three starters, including their leading scorer in Jamison Battle. Minnesota's leading rebounder, Eric Curry along with defensive threat E.J. Stephenson was also out of that game.

The trio was out due to either illness or COVID-19 protocols. Either way, Minnesota was able to beat Rutgers 68-65. 

While that is all well and good, Ohio State presents a much tougher challenge. One that I don’t think can be won without at least Battle or Curry back on the court. As of this writing, Battle is questionable for the game while Curry is listed as doubtful. 

Here are the odds for this Big Ten brawl, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Ohio State vs. Minnesota Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Ohio State -6.5 (-110)
  • Minnesota +6.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Ohio State -280
  • Minnesota +220

Total: 134.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Ohio State vs. Minnesota Prediction and Pick

The Buckeyes, despite a top 20 ranking, have not been the most impressive team in so far this year. They have precious few big wins but do a good job of beating the teams they should. Of their four losses, two came at the hands of ranked teams Florida and Wisconsin while the other two were to Xavier and Indiana.

After losing to the Badgers, the Buckeyes did a good job to snap back with wins over Penn State and IUPUI. In the latter game, the Buckeyes crushed the Panthers 83-37 en route to covering as massive 33.5 point favorites. 

The Buckeyes rely primarily on their shooting and forward E.J. Liddell is one of the best scorers in the game right now. He leads the Buckeyes with an average of 19.4 points per game and 7.3 rebounds. 

This game, I believe, will be won and lost on the boards and therefore give the Golden Gophers little chance to come away with an ATS win here.

Minnesota ranks 354th in offensive rebounding percentage and will likely be without their two best rebounders. Due to a lack of depth, these injuries are going to be a lot more impactful than they would be on most teams. Don’t let their shorthanded win over Rutgers fool you. This is a team in a bad spot tonight. 

Pick: Ohio State -6.5 (-110)

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