3 Bold Predictions for Michigan vs Indiana (It’s Must-Win Time)
With its March Madness dreams hanging in the balance, Michigan will host No. 15 Indiana today at the Crisler Center in the regular season finale.
The Big Ten Conference standings couldn’t get much tighter at the top. No. 15 Indiana (20-10, 11-8) is a lock to make the NCAA Tournament and could secure a top-three seed for itself in the Big Ten Tournament with a win.
Michigan (17-13, 11-8), on the other hand, has much more on the line. A win over Indiana wouldn’t just give the Wolverines a better seed in the conference. It would also boost their tournament resume considerably.
I have some bold predictions circled for this game that I’ll detail shortly, but first let me explain why you should utilize Caesars Sportsbook’s new-user offer on this game.
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Now let’s figure out what we can use that bet insurance on in today’s game.
No. 15 Indiana vs. Michigan Bold Predictions
As stated above, this game has implications for both teams, but much more so for the Wolverines.
It’s likely going to take an all-out, 40-minute effort from Michigan to win today and that’s what I’m basing these bold predictions on.
Here are three bold predictions for today’s game:
Kobe Bufkin 2+ made 3-pointers
Indiana is susceptible to the 3-ball, allowing opponents to make 33% of their attempts (111th in the nation) while also surrendering an average of 7.4 made 3-pointers per game (200th in the nation).
Bufkin could be a big beneficiary of those stats.
The sophomore guard has averaged under 1 made 3-pointer per game for the season, but has been hot lately, making 2+ 3-pointers in each of his past six games, shooting 12-of-27 from deep (44.44%) over that stretch.
Look for Bufkin and a desperate Michigan team to bomb away from beyond the arc today.
Trayce Jackson-Davis Double-Double
Let’s get the emotional argument out of the way first. Do you really think Jackson-Davis is going to go out quietly?
The senior forward has been an impact player for four straight years at Indiana, and I think he’s going to go all-out in this regular-season finale.
Looking at the stats, it’s not hard to see him getting a double-double against Michigan.
The Wolverines allow 35.8 rebounds per game (280th in the nation), ranking 252nd in defensive rebounding percentage.
That means there will be opportunities for Jackson-Davis to score on put-backs – giving him a wide-open path to a double-double.
Jackson-Davis has recorded a double-double in 11 of his past 15 games and has scored in double figures in every single game this season.
Total points OVER 150
Michigan is outside the top 100 in both defensive efficiency and points allowed this season, but like we’ve covered, they’re going to go all-out to win this game.
If the Wolverines’ defense plays as it has all season, there might not be enough scoring to create a lead that’s safe for them.
These teams have solid offenses, too, combining to average just under 150 points per game.
Look for Michigan’s suspect defense and urgency to win to help make this a high-scoring affair.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.