MINN @ CIN

Minnesota’s two-man scoring engine

Through two games, Isaac Asuma averages 16.5 points and Jaylen Crocker-Johnson 15.5 points; Crocker-Johnson leads the Gophers with 7.0 rebounds per game, giving Cincinnati two scoring threats to account for.

Gophers are creating possessions for one another

Minnesota averages 23.5 assists and holds a 46.5-33.5 rebounding edge through two games.

Colvin showed Cincinnati’s perimeter ceiling

Myles Colvin scored 28 points and made six threes against Green Bay, so Minnesota will need to identify him early on the perimeter.

Bearcats may need frontcourt minutes from Lyles

Jayden Hastings was reportedly week-to-week with a shoulder injury, while Amani Lyles scored 14 points in 22 minutes against Green Bay; Cincinnati’s frontcourt rotation bears watching.

Cincinnati carries the historical series edge

Cincinnati has won the last seven meetings with Minnesota, including the most recent in 2006; the long gap makes the streak more historical than predictive.

Pick Ideas

Angles drawn from the matchup analysis above and refreshed as the news changes. They are a separate read from the LineCrush pick for this matchup, so the two can land on different sides.

Conditional under at an inflated total

Consider an under only at 150 or higher: Minnesota has allowed 56.0 points per game and Cincinnati 58.5 through two games, though the sample is small.

Pass until a reliable price is available

No verified spread or total is provided, so wait for a confirmed line before considering a side or total.