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Virginia vs Michigan Odds and Picks (Nov. 29)

George Nassios

by George Nassios in College Basketball

Updated Nov 28, 2022 · 6:21 PM PST

Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard talks to guard Jett Howard
Nov 23, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard talks to guard Jett Howard (13) in the first half against the Jackson State Tigers at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
  • A heavyweight college basketball matchup takes place on Tuesday when Michigan hosts #3 Virginia
  • The Cavaliers are 3.5-point favorites in the Virginia vs Michigan odds
  • Below, see the full odds plus Virginia vs Michigan predictions

It’s an opportunity to watch one of the best teams in the country in a big game when #3 Virginia (5-0, 3-2 ATS) takes on unranked Michigan (5-1, 2-4 ATS) at the annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Tip off is scheduled for 9:30 pm ET on Tuesday, November 29th, at the Crisler Center.

The Cavaliers have already defeated two ranked teams so far this season, taking out Baylor and Illinois in a three-day span a week and a half ago. They’ll be battling a tough crowd on Tuesday, but the Cavaliers have opened as 3.5-point favorites in the college basketball odds for this clash with Michigan.

Virginia vs Michigan Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Virginia Cavaliers -3.5 (-110) -164 O 130.5 (-114)
Michigan Wolverines +3.5 (-110) +136 U 130.5 (-106)

Odds as of November 28th at FanDuel Sportsbook. Claim the FanDuel Sportsbook promo code.

At -164 on the moneyline, Virginia has an implied win probability of 62.12% to win this game. Home crowd only means so much for Michigan as they have a probability of 42.37% to win this game based on the +136 odds the oddsmakers have set for them on the moneyline for a game that will be televised on ESPN.

 

 

Virginia Cavaliers Betting Analysis

It’s the first time in three years that Virginia has started the season with five straight wins, and they are already moving up the odds to win the NCAA national championship. They were last crowned the kings of college basketball just four years ago.

Almost all of Virginia’s key rotation players are veterans and that experience is paying early dividends. On offense, they’ve scored 70-plus points in every game so far this season. According to KenPom, their adjusted offensive rating of 116.4 ranks fifth in the nation.

The Cavaliers deploy a well balanced attack with four players averaging double digit scoring figures and two more posting at least eight points per game. Armaan Franklin leads the team with 13.8 points per outing, while forward Jayden Gardner is coming off a 26-point outing where he saw just 25 minutes of court time.

Michigan Wolverines Betting Analysis

For opponents to have success against Michigan, they have to find a way to contain Wolverines big man, Hunter Dickinson and freshman, Jett Howard, the son of head coach and former Fab Five alumnus, Juwan Howard. Between the two of them, they score over 33 points per game to carry the offense and they score the ball very efficiently.

Dickinson shoots 60% from the floor and can stretch the defense effectively with the three-ball, nailing one in three attempts from long distance. Whoever matches up with Howard will have their hands full. The 6’8 guard shoots 50% from the field including a red hot 43.9% early on from long distance.

Although home court should be a big boost against a stellar Cavaliers team, the Wolverines are just 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games and 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win. They have failed to cover the spread in each of their last three games.

Virginia vs Michigan Pick & Prediction

This has to be a game that Juwan Howard gets his team pumped up for. Despite having already gone up against a couple ranked opponents, this may be Virginia’s biggest obstacle to date when you consider the crowd factor and the size and ability of some of these Michigan players.

2022-23 KenPom College Basketball Rankings

Team Rank Record Adjusted Offensive Efficiency Adjusted Defensive Efficiency
Virginia Cavaliers 5th 5-0 116.4 (5th) 91.7 (26th)
Michigan Wolverines 53rd 5-1 110.8 (30th) 97.2 (91st)

There are two guys that Virginia will have to key in on stopping and that’s Dickinson and Howard. Virginia’s Kadin Shedrick will likely have the bulk of the work stopping Michigan’s seven footer and says he’s looking forward to the challenge.

Stopping Howard may prove even more difficult. Luckily, Virginia possess one of the best on-the-ball defenders in the country in 6’3 guard Reece Beekman, but giving up five inches to Howard may prove costly. The Cavaliers have passed every test presented to them with flying colors so far this year and that’s why they’re once again favorites in the college basketball odds against a tough Michigan team.

Stick with the undefeated side to cover the spread in what should be a great game, as our prediction is Virginia’s experience and depth to be a little too much for Michigan to handle in this one.

Pick: Virginia Cavaliers -3.5 (-110)

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