To get you set for Tuesday's game, here are five things you need to know.

Still without Valentine

The Spartans are expected to still be without the services of their star senior guard Denzel Valentine on Tuesday night. Valentine injured his knee at practice at a Dec. 20 practice and had surgery the next morning. The injury is expected keep Valentine out of action for the next two weeks.

In their first game without Valentine on Dec. 22 against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies, the Spartans looked out of sync early, falling behind by double-digits within the first 10 minutes of the game. And although the Spartans came back to win the game in overtime, 99-93, it was clear Valentine's presence was missed.

Upset alert

Even though Michigan State has owned Iowa as of late, having won 14 of the last 15 meetings between the two teams, including nine straight, this one has all the makings of a potential upset. 

Not only will MSU be without Valentine, but Iowa is also a very dangerous team. All three of Iowa's losses this year have been by six points or less, including a one-point loss on the road to a then-No. 4 Iowa State team.

In addition to this, much like MSU, Iowa also goes very deep into its bench. Ten different Hawkeyes average more than 10 minutes of playing time per game.

Iowa is dangerous from downtown

The Hawkeyes have been a very lethal team from behind the 3-point line thus far on the season. Iowa connects on 9.5 3-pointers per game, hitting 39.7 percent of the 3-point shots they put up. If the Spartans are hoping to avoid the upset, getting out to defend the Hawkeye shooters will be a major key.

Containing Uthoff

Thus far on the season, senior Iowa forward Jarrod Uthoff has been been one of the best front court players in the Big Ten. In Iowa's first 12 games of the season, the versatile Uthoff is averaging 18.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game. 

Not only has Uthoff been a commanding presence in the paint, but he's also a very dangerous threat from the outside. Uthoff has connected on 26-of-56 (46.4 percent) of his 3-pointers this season.

The passing of Tom Izzo's father

Carl Izzo, the father of MSU head basketball coach Tom Izzo, died Monday, a university spokesman confirmed to multiple media outlets. Carl Izzo was 90 years old. The news comes as Tom Izzo and his team prepare in Iowa City for the game against the Hawkeyes on Tuesday night.