Michigan Basketball: 3 keys, a prediction and how to watch vs Minnesota

It might seem early but Michigan basketball faces a huge game on Thursday night and here are three keys, how to watch, and a prediction. 

Sitting at 5-3 and with no quality wins on the resume, Michigan basketball is going to have to put together a strong season in the Big Ten conference to make the NCAA tournament.

There is still a chance to beat North Carolina, but even that win might not be as impressive as it once was if Michigan basketball can get it.

Prior to that, Michigan will open Big Ten play and it starts with a trip to The Barn in Minnesota which has always been a tough place to play for the Wolverines.

Last season, Minnesota came to Ann Arbor and knocked off the Wolverines in what was one of the worst losses for the 2021-22 Michigan basketball team.

Now, Michigan will hit the road to face a 4-4 Golden Gophers team that ranks 147th in the Kenpom rankings. Michigan is 47th and frankly, this is a game U-M has to win.

Michigan basketball vs Minnesota odds

According to Draft Kings, Michigan basketball is a 5-point favorite going into tonight’s game. The over/under is 135.

(Odds are subject to change)

Keys for Michigan Basketball vs Minnesota

Hunter Dickinson needs to dominate: This is a constant storyline for Michigan basketball but with the Wolverines being shorthanded, Dickinson needs to continue to be superhuman. Minnesota has two just players that stand 6-foot-11 or taller and one is sophomore center Dawson Garcia. He’s averaging 13.8 points per game and over five rebounds. Yet, he’s not much of a shot blocker and there’s no one on this team that can guard Dickinson. I’m sure we’ll see some zone and plenty of double teams, so whether it’s a passer or scorer, Dickinson needs to impact the game. He also needs to play better on defense. The Wolverines need his leadership and if a turnaround is going to happen, he needs to be the guy to spark it.

Dug McDaniel needs to be steady: With Jaelin Llewellyn out for the season, Michigan really is going to need Dug McDaniel to grow up quickly. The top-100 recruit has had some moments, but he hasn’t looked ready to run a team for 30 minutes a night. It’s going to be a trial by fire. Kobe Bufkin could also get some time at the one, but Dug is going to play a lot and he’s going to have to be solid or the season could go downhill quickly. I’m optimistic. The depth is weaker but in the long run, I think Dug will be just fine this season and some have wanted him to start anyway. It’s a crushing blow for Llewellyn but it’s one the team can overcome. Tonight will be a big test on the road but one good thing is the Gophers only force 11 turnovers per game.

Contain Jamison Battle: Last year, the Wolverines had no answer for Battle as he went off for 27 points in the win in Ann Arbor. He averages nine 3-point attempts per game and makes 2.9 for the Gophers. So he’s a volume shooter with a solid mid-range game and the ability to attack the basket. Whether it’s Terrance Williams or Jett Howard, there isn’t a great option on this roster. I’d maybe even give Jace Howard a try. Battle is going to get some points. He will make a triple or two, but he’s shooting just 33 percent from the field. Last season, he shot 55 percent against Michigan and if that happens, Minnesota will have a good shot at an upset.

Michigan Basketball vs Minnesota Prediction

Minnesota has been solid defensively. Their 2-point field-goal percentage defense ranks 74th in college basketball and they have allowed 66 points per game. However, one big weakness is allowing offensive rebounds. Opponents have grabbed 14 per game.

Michigan isn’t really a strong rebounding team but that’s where Dickinson and Terrance Williams come in. Those guys are going to need to hit the boards. Jett Howard, Joey Baker, and Kobe Bufkin also need to hit shots.

I believe Dickinson will have a big game, at least a double-double and I think Dug will hold up well in his first start. Michigan’s defense will do a decent job against Battle and the Wolverines survive by a score of 68-60.

How to watch Michigan vs Minnesota

Michigan basketball will play Minnesota on Thursday night on Big Ten Network at 9:O0 PM EST. It can also be streamed on Fubo TV.