Big Ten Basketball: Rutgers vs Michigan prediction, point spread, odds, best bet
Rutgers men’s basketball (17-10, 9-7 Big Ten) will face Michigan (15-12, 9-7 Big Ten) on Thursday night with the Scarlet Knights looking to win their second straight game. After a rough three-game stretch that included losses to Indiana, Illinois, and Nebraska, Rutgers was able to get back into the win column on Saturday. However, they will be facing a talented Michigan team.
While the 2022-2023 campaign has been full of ups and down for the Wolverines, they are averaging 73.5 points per game. Rutgers defense will be tested without one of its best players in this matchup.
If the Scarlet Knights can limit the Wolverines opportunities, then their success at home will continue. For Michigan, the key will be to apply pressure on every possession and force the Scarlet Knights to be perfect offensively.
To help you prepare for the game and make smart decisions, here are the latest details from Tipico Sportsbook.
The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET and be seen on FS1.
Recent history
As Rutgers looks to climb in the Big Ten standings, they will face Michigan for the first time this season on Thursday. During the 2021-2022 campaign, Michigan won the season series. The Scarlet Knights will be looking to change their luck. In last year’s matchup between these two teams, four Rutgers players scored ten or more points, but they were unable to stop Michigan’s offense.
Injury Report
Rutgers: Mawot Mag (out for season, knee) Caleb McConnell (doubtful, back)
Michigan: Jett Howard (questionable, ankle), Terrance Williams II (questionable, Knee), Jaelin Llewellyn (out for season, knee).
Players to Watch
Cam Spencer: As Rutgers looks to spoil Michigan’s Thursday night, they will need a big game from Cam Spencer. In his last two games, Spencer has scored 30 points and added 12 rebounds to his resume. On Thursday night, the Scarlet Knights will have a small room for error and need Spencer at his best.
Hunter Dickinson: So far this season, Dickinson has led the way offensively for the Wolverines. The Alexandria native leads Michigan in points, rebounds, and blocks per game. In Michigan’s win over Michigan State on Saturday, Dickinson had 14 points and seven rebounds. Rutgers will have to limit Dickinson on the boards, as he has 19 rebounds in his last two games.
Advice and Prediction
Take Rutgers in this one. The Scarlet Knights have been the better team defensively and are only allowing 59.5 points per game. While both teams are battling injuries, Rutgers showed in their last game that they can get offense from various places. They will need to limit Michigan’s offensive leader in Hunter Dickinson. If they can do that, then they should be successful.
Keys to Victory
Against one of the higher-scoring teams in the country, Rutgers will need a big afternoon from Cam Spencer and Clifford Omoruyi. In the Scarlet Knights win on Saturday, they combined for 34 points. To secure a win, they will need to replicate those numbers. If those two struggle and the Wolverines’ offense has a big night, Rutgers may have a long night on their home court.
