After clinching the best regular season in Michigan basketball history with a win over Michigan State on Sunday, the Wolverines aren't just a national title contender.
They are the betting favorite to win it all. That comes after a potential game-changing injury to Duke guard Caleb Foster, one of the best defensive guards in the country, and a key part of what the Blue Devils do.
Foster was injured in Duke's win over North Carolina on Saturday. Head coach Jon Scheyer hasn't said much about Foster, other than that he will miss the ACC tournament, along with big man Patrick Ngongba, who is a dynamic 6-foot-11 sophomore.
Ngongba will also be out for the ACC tournament. Foster was wearing a boot on his foot when he returned from the locker room. Of course, Michigan basketball has dealt with its own injury issues, as LJ Cason, recognized as the best backup point guard in college basketball, is out for the season.
In his absence on Sunday, Roddy Gayle and Trey McKenney combined for 27 points. Gayle scored 15 off the bench, while McKenney, a true freshman, had 12, including two clutch 3-pointers.
Michigan basketball is new betting favorite to win national championship
For now, the oddsmakers see Michigan basketball as the team to beat. The Wolverines are currently +340, while the odds for Duke are at +360. Arizona is next at +550, followed by Florida +750 and Houston, which is +1000.
Michigan hasn't won the college basketball national championship since 1989. The Wolverines finished as the national runner-up in 1992, 1993, 2013, and 2018.