Michigan State vs. Minnesota odds, props, predictions: Spartans, Gophers seek crucial Big Ten victory in Minneapolis

Michigan State and Minnesota have each had some bright spots this season but also some struggles, making tonight's matchup in East Lansing a crucial spot for both teams. 

The Spartans ended their two-game losing streak last weekend with an impressive win over Rutgers (73-55). After getting off to one of the worst starts they've seen in the Tom Izzo era, Michigan has 6-2 over their past eight games while covering the spread six times. That has brought the Spartans ATS record to 9-8 on the year.

Minnesota has been one of the best spread bets in college basketball, with a 14-3 ATS record. The Gophers have had their toughest stretch of the season in their last two, losing and not covering in either.

Here is the Michigan State vs. Minnesota betting news, player props and a betting prediction as both teams look to earn an important win in Big Ten play. The game tips off at 6:30 p.m. on FS1.

Live odds for Michigan State vs. Minnesota

Here are the spread, moneyline and total points live odds for Michigan State vs. Minnesota at the best online sportsbooks.

More college hoops betting: College Basketball Odds: NCAAB Betting Lines, Spreads and Futures | March Madness Betting Sites

Michigan State Spartans betting news

The Spartans started the season as a top-five team and simply have not lived up to expectations. There is hope that they have the talent to still be one of the nation's top teams. They have beaten and played tight games with some of the best teams in college basketball. More often than not, though, Michigan State has come up short in close games.

The Spartans have also played some underwhelming games and allowed less talented teams to beat them. Even with a 10-7 record, they rank 18th overall on Kenpom despite being nowhere near the top-25 rankings. The next-closest team with seven losses is 33rd on Kenpom. The Spartans rank 23rd and 26th for adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency. With several high-level players, Michigan State could be like a North Carolina team from two seasons ago that came into the NCAA Tournament as an underseeded team peaking at the right time and poised to make a run.

Michigan State needs to get to the NCAA Tournament first, and that means they need to win games like this one against Minnesota. They have the tools to do it and boast one of the best-scoring guards in the country. Tyson Walker is averaging 19.9 PPG and ranks in the top 30 in scoring. The fifth-year senior guard already has eight games over 20 points this season and stands a solid chance to put up a big number against an average Gophers defense.

Minnesota Golden Gophers betting news

Minnesota got off to a hot start while playing one of the weakest early-season schedules. Now that conference play has started, they are not living up to their record. The Gophers looked like a strong bet to make the NCAA Tournament before conference play started. 

With a two-game losing streak, the Gophers could be in danger of quickly falling out of tournament contention if they don't start picking up some wins. Michigan State will be a challenging opponent, but the Gophers have an advantage playing at home. They will need to get off to a strong start, as the Spartans' most common struggle this season has been slow starts.

The Gophers will need to lean on their star player to get things going. Dawson Garcia leads the Gophers in scoring at 17.4 PPG and had 30 in Minnesota's last game against Iowa. The other player key to a strong start and overall game is point guard Elijah Hawkins, who is top five in the nation in assists at 7.8 per game. 

Michigan State vs. Minnesota player props at Caesars Sportsbook

The Spartans and Gophers boast several all-conference-level players capable of incredible performances. Caesars Sportsbook has great value odds for tonight's primetime game.

Tyson Walker player props

• 19.5 points OVER (-111) / UNDER (-131)
• 2.5 rebounds OVER (-141) / UNDER (-104)
• 3.5 assists OVER (-110) / UNDER (-133)
• 1.5 threes OVER (-110) / UNDER (-133)

A.J. Hoggard player props

• 12.5 points OVER (-135) / UNDER (-108)
• 3.5 rebounds OVER (-143) / UNDER (-102)
• 4.5 assists OVER (-131) / UNDER (-111)
• 0.5 threes OVER (-173) / UNDER (+117)

Malik Hall player props

• 12.5 points OVER (-107) / UNDER (-137)
• 5.5 rebounds OVER (-105) / UNDER (-139)
• 2.5 assists OVER (+133) / UNDER (-198)
• 0.5 threes OVER (-111) / UNDER (-131)

Jaden Akins player props

• 11.5 points OVER (-123) / UNDER (-119)
• 3.5 rebounds OVER (-129) / UNDER (-113)
• 1.5 assists OVER (-113) / UNDER (-129)
• 1.5 threes OVER (+110) / UNDER (-161)

Mady Sissoko player props

• 5.5 points OVER (-123) / UNDER (-119)
• 7.5 rebounds OVER (-107) / UNDER (-137)

Dawson Garcia player props

• 15.5 points OVER (-123) / UNDER (-119)
• 6.5 rebounds OVER (-119) / UNDER (-123)
• 1.5 assists OVER (-137) / UNDER (-107)
• 0.5 threes OVER (-143) / UNDER (-102)

Michigan State vs. Minnesota prediction: Spartans win on the road

The Gophers have struggled against better competition, and the Spartans have one of the best defenses Minnesota has faced. With strong post defenders Malik Hall and Mady Sissoko, the Spartans can slow down Minnesota's best player, Dawson Garcia. That should give the Spartans a comfortable victory tonight.

Pick: Spartans