Free Picks: Indiana Hoosiers vs Michigan Wolverines

Josh Saslove
By: Josh Saslove
02/27/2021
College Basketball Free Picks
Indiana vs Michigan NCAAB
Indiana Hoosiers vs Michigan Wolverines, NCAAB, Assembly Hall

Indiana has the opportunity to grab a huge signature win against Michigan, but will need their best effort of the year to overcome the Wolverines. This game is one of the last chances for the Hoosiers to make a case for a spot in March Madness. NCAA basketball odds should make the Hoosiers about 5 or 6 point dogs at home, so our BetPicks Prediction will be on the spread

Inconsistent Indiana’s Season Defining Game

Indiana basketball always has high expectations no matter what the roster looks like. But, those expectations have been tempered as Indiana cannot string wins together. After smoking Providence and Stanford in Asheville, the Hoosiers struggled to find consistency. While Indiana swept Iowa, their inconsistency leaves them on the tournament bubble. However, this is a perfect game for Indiana to keep close or steal.

Michigan is smoking hot, there is no doubt about that, but Indiana has risen to the occasion against high-level opponents. Giving competitive games and as evidenced by Iowa, even stealing games. The Wolverines will visit Assembly Hall after playing Ohio State and Iowa within the last week. Their legs will be a little heavy and maybe there’s some Hoosier magic in Assembly Hall. Given the home underdog, I will be sprinkling the moneyline as there’s terrific value on the Hoosiers (+360 on 888sport).

Rob Phinisee has had a disappointing season, only shooting 34.8% and contributing 6.7PPG, but when Phinisee is putting up points the Hoosiers are winning games. Phinisee has scored 10 or more points in seven games this season, the Hoosiers have won 6 of those 7 games. The Junior has gone scoreless in his last 2 games, but I expect that to change in a big way on Saturday. Phinisee like his team has been wildly inconsistent, so why not buy his stock when it’s low?

IU hasn’t lost three games in a row all season, and after a bad loss to Michigan State followed by blowing a 20-point first half lead against Rutgers, the Hoosiers will be starved for a positive result. With Illinois just over the horizon, I personally see Michigan overlooking this match-up and a scrappy Indiana team getting the signature win that they desperately need. Take the points and enjoy what should be a great ball game.

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FREE PICK: Indiana +8.5
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Stats

  • Indiana is 6-1-0 ATS when Rob Phinisee scores 10+
  • Indiana is 5-4-0 ATS as underdogs this season
  • Michigan is 13-4-0 ATS as favourites this season
  • Michigan is 5-1-0 ATS on the road this season

Josh Saslove here, I am a passionate sports fan and have been consumed by sports for as long as I can remember. I have been a sports bettor for the past 4 years, starting out with betting on college basketball parlays. I currently write pieces for BetPicks, but have my own blog space. I am an avid fan of the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Raptors, Kansas City Chiefs and Toronto Blue Jays, so I know what it's like to cheer for the underdog. The 2017 ECF run by the Ottawa Senators and the Raptors 2019 NBA title are probably my fondest memories as a fan, as well of course the Chiefs Super Bowl win in 2020. I am also a big music fan and have been called Mac Miller by strangers on several occasions.

March Madness Schedule

Stage
Date & Time
Selection SundayMarch 14
First FourMarch 18
First roundMarch 19-20
Second roundMarch 21-22
Sweet 16March 27-28
Elite EightMarch 29-30
Final FourApril 3
Championship GameApril 5

Tournament History

Year
WinnerRunner-Up
2019VirginiaTexas Tech
2018VillanovaMichigan
2017North CarolinaGonzaga
2016VillanovaNorth Carolina
2015DukeWisconsin
2014ConnecticutKentucky
2013LouisvilleMichigan
2012KentuckyKansas
2011ConnecticutButler
2010DukeButler
2009North CarolinaMichigan State
2008KansasMemphis
2007FloridaOhio State
2006FloridaUCLA
2005North CarolinaIllinois
2004ConnecticutGeorgia Tech
2003SyracuseKansas
2002MarylandIndiana
2001DukeArizona
2000Michigan StateFlorida