Free Picks: Indiana Hoosiers vs Michigan Wolverines

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

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.

• 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