Michigan hosts Oregon on Wednesday night in Ann Arbor. Both teams have strong NCAA Tournament résumés, but they are trending in different directions. Oregon has lost three straight games and four of its last five. Michigan has won two in a row and sits near the top of the Big Ten standings.
Oregon won the last two matchups between these teams, both in overtime. Michigan, however, has been dominant at home, winning all 10 games in Ann Arbor this season. The game features a battle of top big men, with Michigan’s Vladislav Goldin and Danny Wolf going up against Oregon’s Nate Bittle.
Michigan Preview – Home Dominance Continues?
Michigan enters this game at 16-5 overall and 8-2 in the Big Ten. The Wolverines are coming off a 66-63 road win at Rutgers and are in the hunt for the conference title. They rank No. 17 in the NET rankings and have played well in tight games.
The Wolverines rely on their frontcourt, with Goldin averaging 15.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game and Wolf adding 12.2 points and 10.0 rebounds. Michigan has been strong on the boards, ranking 29th nationally in rebounding. Turnovers have been an issue, as the team leads the Big Ten with 14.8 per game.
Michigan’s defense has held opponents to 40.4% shooting, ranking 38th in the country. The Wolverines have been solid at home, covering the spread in eight of their last 14 home games. Their biggest challenge in this game will be limiting Oregon’s transition offense.
Oregon Preview – Can the Ducks End Their Skid?
Oregon has struggled recently, dropping to 16-6 overall and 5-6 in conference play. The Ducks lost their last game at home to Nebraska and now head into a tough two-game road trip against Michigan and Michigan State. Despite the losses, Oregon still holds a No. 37 NET ranking.
The Ducks’ offense runs through Bittle, who averages 12.5 points and 7.2 rebounds. They have shot 46% from the field this season but struggle from three-point range at 33.1%. Oregon also forces 7.1 steals per game, which could be a factor against Michigan’s turnover-prone offense.
Oregon has a 4-2 record in road games this season but has not covered the spread well, going 13-23 ATS in its last 36 games. The Ducks need to improve their defensive rebounding against Michigan’s size to have a chance in this matchup.
Betting Prediction
Michigan is an 8.5-point favorite, with the total set at 153.5. The Wolverines have been strong at home, while Oregon has struggled against top-tier opponents. Michigan’s rebounding edge and defensive efficiency make them a solid pick to cover.
Oregon has struggled to cover the spread, but the Ducks have a history of close games against Michigan. Still, Michigan’s home dominance and Oregon’s recent struggles suggest the Wolverines should control this game. The total is high, but both teams have trended toward the over this season.
Pick: Michigan -8.5
