Michigan Basketball: How to watch, three predictions for Michigan State

Simpson and Teske take on lead roles

Without Isaiah Livers, who is out with a groin injury, Michigan basketball is going to need huge performances from its other veterans Jon Teske and Zavier Simpson.

Simpson obviously has another head-to-head matchup on tap with Cassius Winston, who has been dynamic so far this season scoring 17.8 points per game and making two 3-pointers per contest.

The Simpson-Winston matchup will be key and if the Wolverines can’t win that battle or least fight to a draw, it’s hard to see them winning. But that’s also where Teske comes in. It’s going to be interesting to see how Howard uses the big man in the pick-and-roll defense.

You would think Howard would want to force others besides Winston to beat him or maybe he wants to force Winston to take tough shots all day over Simpson and others such as Teske that might help on the ball screen.

Either way, expect both Simpson and Teske to show out Sunday.