Minnesota vs. Wisconsin Basketball Betting Preview & Picks

The 2018 college basketball betting season continues this Thursday night with a thrilling Minnesota vs. Wisconsin basketball matchup. This contest will see No. 22 Wisconsin try to defend their home court against the unranked Golden Gophers. Coming off a disheartening 83-76 loss to an unranked opponent, will Wisconsin be able to bounce back at home this Thursday night? Let’s check on the NCAA sportsbook betting lines to get a better idea of what the odds makers are expecting.

Minnesota vs. Wisconsin Basketball – Thursday, January 3^rd    

When: 9:00 pm ET

Where: Kohl Center, Madison, Wisconsin

TV: BTN

Stream: BTN Lives

College Basketball Betting Odds:

Team	SP/RL	TOTAL	ML
Minnesota	+9½ (-110)	139 (-110)	+415
Wisconsin	-9½ (-110)	139 (-110)	-525

Brand new year. Same old rivalry.

Big Ten season. Lock in. Let's roll.#OnWisconsin // #Badgers pic.twitter.com/NbjmOodbNP

— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) January 3, 2019

Minnesota Golden Gophers        

The Golden Gophers charge into this Thursday night rivalry sporting an 11-2 record. Since they’ve posted a 1-1 record in Big 10 play this season, Minnesota currently ranks 7^th overall in the conference. Fortunately they have an opportunity to improve on that conference record this evening. Unfortunately for Minnesota, the college basketball betting odds aren’t giving them much of a shot this evening. Putting that aside, what do the numbers have to say about this pairing? Surprisingly enough they actually give Minnesota a fighting chance this evening. Currently averaging 76.2, the Gophers’ offense should be able to keep up with a Wisconsin offense that is putting up 76.5 per game. On defense things are a bit more lopsided with the Badgers giving up 63.2 per game and Golden Gophers allotting 68.4.

Players to Watch: Jordan Murphy (15.7 ppg, 12.6 rpg, 2.9 apg), Amir Coffey (15.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.2 apg), and Daniel Oturu (10.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 0.3 apg).

Wisconsin Badgers   

The Badgers charge into this evening’s Big Ten matchup sporting a 10-3 record. Although they have more losses on the season than Minnesota, Wisconsin is undefeated thus far in conference play giving them the No. 2 spot in the Big Ten with a 2-0 record. In fact, Wisconsin can tie Michigan State for the No. 1 spot in the conference with a win over Minnesota this evening. Ultimately Wisconsin comes in with the better defense and a chip on their shoulder after losing to an unranked opponent. Given that the Badgers will be playing at home this evening, it’s pretty clear that they are the best bet to make.

Players to Watch: Ethan Happ (19.2 ppg, 4.8 apg, 10.7 rpg), D’Mitrik Trice (15.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.8 apg), and Brad Davison (10.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.8 apg).

Minnesota vs. Wisconsin Basketball Betting Predictions

Trends

• The TOTAL has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota’s last 7 games when playing on the road against Wisconsin
• Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Wisconsin
• Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Wisconsin
• The TOTAL has gone UNDER in 4 of Wisconsin’s last 6 games when playing Minnesota
• Wisconsin is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
• Wisconsin is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games at home

Minnesota vs. Wisconsin Basketball Betting Picks

So which side should mobile betting fans take in this Minnesota vs. Wisconsin Basketball matchup? All things considered Wisconsin is the only way to bet here. Take them to cover the spread to get the most bang for your buck. Sign up today to make your online betting prediction!

Score Prediction: 80-70 Wisconsin.