Red-hot Gophers favored Friday night against USC at the Barn

The experts think Minnesota will extend its winning streak to six.

Jan 2, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Eric Musselman talks to forward Chad Baker-Mazara (4) in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

There are plenty of storylines heading into Friday night's game at Williams Arena between Minnesota and Southern California. DraftKings Sportsbook favors the red-hot Gophers by 1.5 points to pick up their sixth straight win.

The Gophers open as (-1.5) point betting favorites for tomorrow night's game at the Barn vs. USC.

Plenty of storylines with Eric Musselman coming back to Williams Arena with a solid Trojans squad.

Let's hear some early predictions. 👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/gRTOXkMtFZ

— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) January 8, 2026

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How to watch

• Day: Friday, Jan. 9
• Time: 7:30 p.m. CT
• TV channel: Big Ten Network (BTN)
• Radio: KFAN FM 100.3

USC preview

The Trojans had a headline-grabbing offseason, adding 25-year-old Auburn transfer wing Chad Baker-Mazara through the portal, alongside five-star true freshman Alijah Arenas, who is the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas. Baker-Mazara is averaging 19.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, and Arenas has yet to make his college debut due to a preseason injury.

Jan 2, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Chad Baker-Mazara (4) reacts in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines t Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Maryland transfer point guard Rodey Rice led USC with 20.3 points per game in the first six contests of the season, but he is out for the remainder of the year due to a shoulder injury. USC is still an incredibly talented team that won the Maui Invitational, and they're 12-3 with notable wins over Boise State, Seton Hall, Arizona State and Oregon.

USC head coach Eric Musselman is in his second season with the program, and this will be his first time bringing a team to the Barn as a head coach. His father, Bill Musselman, was notably the head coach of the Gophers from 1971 to 1975, and later the Timberwolves from 1989 to 1991, where Eric was on his staff.

Keys to the matchup

If the current odds hold, Friday will be the first time Minnesota has been favored against a Power Conference opponent this season. USC is a balanced team with not much size in the frontcourt, which could bode well for the Gophers' chances of picking up another win.

These are two teams trending in opposite directions, and USC is amid a challenging road slate off the heels of losses at Michigan and Michigan State. The short-handed Gophers will have their conditioning tested, but this scheduling spot leans heavily in their favor.

Minnesota's recent stretch makes me believe that Niko Medved will have his team ready for a quick turnaround, and they extend their win streak with another impressive showing against USC.

Prediction: Minnesota 73, USC 65

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.