Michigan basketball vs. Memphis: Keys, prediction, odds, and how to watch

Michigan basketball faces a big test on Wednesday in the Battle 4 Atlantis against Memphis and here are the keys, predictions, and how to watch. 

Things started perfectly for Michigan basketball at the start of the season, until the Wolverines blew a 16-point lead against Long Beach State.

That was a reality check. It also showed that Michigan basketball has some major issues on defense. Michigan is ranked 37th according to the Kenpom rankings. The Wolverines have the No. 14 adjusted offense, but the No. 83 adjusted defense.

Memphis is 32nd overall with top-40 rankings on offense and defense. The Tigers, who are 3-0, also haven’t played a team ranked in the top 250 yet.

So it’s going to be a big test for both teams. Memphis has a ton of talent — a lot more than Long Beach State, so the Wolverines are going to have to defend.

Michigan basketball will be playing three games in three days. Things start this afternoon and here are the keys, how to watch, and a prediction.

Michigan basketball vs. Memphis how to watch

Date: Nov. 22
Game Time: 5:00 PM EST
Venue: Battle 4 Atlantis
How to Watch: ESPN2 | Fubo TV

Michigan basketball keys vs. Memphis

• Point guard play: The Tigers have three former top-100 recruits. Also, every player in their starting lineup has averaged at least 13 points per game at one point during their career. Jahyon Quinerly is the point guard and he’s averaging 14 points per game as well as 4.3 assists. Dug McDaniel has been stellar for the Wolverines, but he’s got to play well on both ends of the floor. He needs to win the point guard battle or Michigan basketball will have a tough time winning this game.
• Play actual defense: Memphis has a ton of talented scorers. Tigers rank 28th in 3-point shooting percentage and average 85 points per game. It’s going to be by far the biggest test Michigan basketball has faced. Everyone was to blame for the disaster against Long Beach State and it makes me ponder how much this team is missing Juwan, who was known for his defensive prowess for the Miami Heat back in the day. The effort has to get better and that’s where things start. If Memphis can get to the rim as easily as Long Beach State, it’s going to be a long way for the Wolverines.
• Olivier Nkamhoua needs to shine: Nkamhoua is scoring 18 points per game and grabbing eight rebounds. He’s also shooting 67 percent from the field and 44 percent from 3-point range. However, if the Wolverines are going to win this game, they really need him to dominate. Memphis wants to play a smaller lineup and Nkamhoua is the guy who can make them pay. He needs to be better defensively though, as the entire team does, but Michigan could really use a double-double from their new star forward.

Michigan basketball vs. Memphis prediction

Memphis is a one-point favorite according to DraftKings. The over/under is set at 154 and the moneyline is -102 for Michigan and -118 for Memphis. It’s hard to read what this Michigan basketball team is going to be.

Yet, if the Wolverines can play as they did against St. John’s, they’ll have a good shot and while it’s being optimistic, I have to think Michigan shows some pride on defense and finds a way against a Memphis team that hasn’t been tested and has it’s head coach for the first time this season.

Prediction: Michigan 85, Memphis 80