Michigan Basketball: Odds, prediction and how to watch vs Northwestern

The Michigan basketball team is back on its home floor on Sunday against Northwestern and here’s how to watch, the odds, and a prediction for the Wolverines. 

I hate using the term must-win but there’s no doubt in my mind at least that Northwestern is a must-win game for Michigan basketball.

Following the overtime loss to Iowa on Thursday, Michigan basketball is now 9-7 overall and 3-2 in the Big Ten. The conference mark isn’t bad but without any marquee non-conference wins, U-M needs an impressive league record and some impressive wins.

Northwestern is 12-4 and has beaten Illinois, Michigan State, and Indiana in Big Ten play. The Wildcats do it with defense and 3-point shooting.

They don’t shoot all that well from deep, but that’s the focal point of their offense. Their defense is 12th in Kenpom’s adjusted efficiency and they allow just 0.87 points per possession.

The Wildcats only score 64 points per game and rank 45th in college basketball in terms of 3-pointers attempted. Yet, they rank 281st in 3-point field-goal percentage (31.8 percent) and shoot below 40 percent as a team ranking from the field (38.7) which is 355th.

Northwestern’s offense can be ugly at times, but their defense is going to be the big challenge especially because they make it difficult for post-ups and allow the fifth-fewest in college hoops according to UMHoops.

Northwestern is ranked 55th according to Kenpom. Michigan is 53rd. The Wolverines have been playing better defense but just surrendered 93 points in an overtime loss to Iowa. Jett Howard scored 34 and Michigan had a seven-point lead with under two minutes to go.

The play of Howard and Kobe Bufkin has been encouraging. Other young guys have played well at times too such as Tarris Reed, Dug McDaniel, and Will Tschetter. But there needs to be more consistency and this team has to learn how to win close games.

Michigan’s NCAA tournament hopes are on life support and here’s a look at the odds, a prediction, and how to watch Michigan basketball vs Northwestern.

Michigan basketball vs Northwestern odds

The Wolverines are a 4.5-point favorite according to Draft Kings. The over/under is 136 and the money line is -195 for Michigan and +170 for Northwestern.

Michigan Basketball vs Northwestern prediction

Chase Audige, Boo Buie, and Ty Berry all scare me. They make on average nearly six 3-pointers a game combined and are the most dangerous weapons in the Northwestern offense. They all shoot with volume too and the 3-point defense will have to be on point.

Northwestern is going to try and turn this into a defensive grind. The lower scoring it is, the better it will probably be for the Wildcats. Their offense can get hot — if the 3-pointers are falling — but the Wildcats want this in the 60s, not the 70s.

Hunter Dickinson will need to get going or at least help create attempts for others. It might be a day to hit some jumpers too. Offensively, it’s hard to know what to expect from this team.

The Wolverines look like a powerhouse at times and other times, they don’t even look like they belong in the NIT. Jett Howard was incredible on Thursday and it was wasted.

But if this team gets in the 70s on Sunday, it will win the game and I’m expecting an inspired effort from the Wolverines who have to know their season is on the brink.

Therefore, I’m going with Michigan 70-63.

Michigan basketball vs Northwestern how to watch

Tip-off: 12 PM ET

TV: Big Ten Network

Stream: Fubo TV

Listen: mgoblue.com