Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines Predictions, Picks, Odds

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (16-10, 10-6 Big Ten) travel to meet the Michigan Wolverines (14-11, 8-7) on Wednesday at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, and the game can be viewed on the Big Ten Network.

Score Prediction

Rutgers 69 Michigan 67

Best Bets

  • Rutgers +195 ML
  • Rutgers +5.5 (-106)

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines Predictions

This game can be seen on the Big Ten Network, and that's exactly how Michigan head coach Juwan Howard will have to catch it. He was suspended five games by the Big Ten for his actions following a loss over the weekend against Wisconsin. He appeared to throw a punch at an assistant coach for the Badgers after the game, and a fracas erupted between the two teams in an ugly scene.

After a four-game win streak and some chatter from talking heads about its chances to perhaps sneak up and win the Big Ten regular-season title, Rutgers had some cold water splashed on them by Purdue last time out Sunday. The Boilermakers picked up an 84-72 win to push against a 12-point number as the OVER hit, the first loss in regulation for the Scarlet Knights since Jan. 25 at home against Maryland.

Michigan will be without its head coach as it seeks revenge against Rutgers for a 75-67 loss in Piscataway on Jan. 4. The Scarlet Knights won outright as 3.5-point favorites as the OVER connected that evening.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Odds

  • Rutgers +195
  • Michigan -233
  • Rutgers +5.5 (-106)
  • Michigan -5.5 (-110)
  • Over 135.5 (-110)
  • Under 135.5 (-110)
Updated on 03/28/2024
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Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Analysis

  • SU 16-10
  • ATS 12-12-2
  • OU 15-11

Rutgers lost last time out against Purdue, but it pushed against the number at most shops. Officially, the Scarlet Knights are 5-0-1 ATS in the past six games overall after an 0-3 ATS skid from Jan. 22-29. This is a team which also won outright as a 3.5-point underdog against Michigan back on Jan. 4, winning 75-67 in New Jersey.

Rutgers has posted just a 3-7-1 ATS mark in the past 11 games on the road, although it is 3-1-1 ATS in the past five road outings against teams with a winning home record. The Scarlet Knights are also 4-0-1 ATS in the past five games against winning teams.

For totals, the OVER is 4-1 in the past five games on the road, while going 4-0 in the past four on the road against teams with a winning home record. The UNDER is 7-3 in the past 10 against winning teams, however.

Michigan Wolverines Betting Analysis

  • SU 14-11
  • ATS 10-15
  • OU 15-10

It will be interesting to see how the Wolverines respond without their coach, especially against a red-hot Scarlet Knights side. Michigan will also be without Fs Moussa Diabate and Terrance Williams II for this game after the dust-up in Madison. Diabate is fifth on the team in scoring with 9.3 RPG, while checking in with 5.7 RPG, second on the team. He also leads the team with a 57.4 FG%, so his presence will be missed. Williams is sixth on the team with 4.3 PPG and he has 2.5 RPG through 23 games off the bench.

Michigan is 1-4 ATS in the past five home games against teams with a losing road mark, although it is 26-12-1 ATS in the past 39 games following a SU loss and 28-12-1 ATS in the past 41 following a non-cover.

For totals, the Wolverines have cashed the OVER in eight of the past 11 games overall, while going 5-1 in the past six following an ATS loss. The UNDER is 6-2 in the past eight against winning teams, though.

Inside the Stats – Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Record: 16-10
PS/G: 68.6 (251st)
PA/G: 65.3 (65th)
ORtg: 102.7 (176th)
DRtg: 97.8 (134th)

Inside the Stats – Michigan Wolverines

Record: 14-11
PS/G: 72.2 (156th)
PA/G: 68.6 (169th)
ORtg: 107.4 (74th)
DRtg: 102.0 (239th)

Key Players to Watch

RUT: Geo Baker - G (12.2 PPG, 4.0 APG, 2.1 RPG, 1.1 SPG)
RUT: Ron Harper, Jr. - G (15.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.2 SPG)
MICH: Hunter Dickinson - C (18.0 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.2 BPG, 56.5 FG%)
MICH: Caleb Houstan - G (9.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 34.4 3P%)

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines Conclusion

Taking Rutgers on the money line can help you nearly double up, and that should be your first course of action. All things equal, Rutgers won the first matchup. However, Michigan will be shorthanded in this one, not only with Howard away from the team, but they'll be missing key pieces in the frontcourt, too. Hunter Dickinson already is tasked with having to do too much, and he'll likely be forced to pick up some of the rebounding slack, too.

Geo Baker and Ron Harper Jr. for the Scarlet Knights have this team playing very, very well, and Rutgers is going to be a team nobody wants to see in the Big Ten Tournament, and perhaps the NCAA Tournament. Catching nearly three buckets is a nice gift, but play them straight-up, too, while avoiding the total, as that's too close to call.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Trends

Rutgers is 5-0-1 ATS in the past six games overall.
Rutgers is 4-0-1 ATS in the past five vs. winning teams.
Rutgers is 3-7-1 ATS in the past 11 road games.
Michigan is 1-4 ATS in the past five home games vs. teams with a losing road record.
The OVER is 4-1 in the past five road games for Rutgers.
The UNDER is 7-3 in the past 10 vs. winning teams for Rutgers.
The OVER is 8-3 in the past 11 games overall for Michigan.
The UNDER is 6-2 in the past eight vs. winning teams for Michigan.
The OVER is 5-1 in the past six following an ATS loss for Michigan.
Michigan is 4-2 ATS in the past six meetings.
The underdog is 3-0 ATS in the past three meetings.
The UNDER is 3-1 in the past four meetings.