WeBeatTheSpread's Premium Rutgers vs. Michigan Pick

WeBeatTheSpread's Premium Rutgers vs. Michigan Pick

One of a few Big Ten battles tonight features a matchup between the Michigan Wolverines and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Rutgers enters this game as a 5.5-point favorite, as the books expect the home team to get the win here. Rutgers has been a wagon at home this season once again, but can they overcome a few critical injuries?

The Wolverines are coming off a huge emotional win against in-state rivals Michigan State, which was a game that they needed to win to keep their tournament hopes alive. At this point, Michigan almost certainly does not have an at-large bid into March Madness, but they have three quad-one games and one quad-two game to close the season, meaning if they pick up a few quad-one wins to end the season, they could sneak in. Hunter Dickinson, who has been the team's leading scorer all season with 17.6 points per game, will once again be crucial to their success.

On the other hand, Rutgers has been hit hard by injuries. Mawot Mag, who is their best defender, was injured against Michigan State, and the Scarlet Knights have struggled since then, winning only one game against Wisconsin by one point. Furthermore, Caleb McConnell is also expected to miss the game due to back spasms, which is another huge blow to the team's defense. McConnell and Mag are rated as the second-best defending duo in the nation behind Tyreke Key and Julian Phillips of Tennessee, according to EvanMiya, so their absence will definitely be felt in the backcourt.

Rutgers is currently looking at an at-large bid into March Madness, but they cannot afford to lose any more games if they want to keep that spot. Their defense has been exceptional all season, with them ranking first in scoring defense and opponent's field goal percentage and third in 3pt defense. However, their offense has been below average all season, ranking ninth in scoring, 13th in field goal percentage, and ninth in 3pt field goal percentage.

Michigan, on the other hand, has been more well-balanced on both ends of the floor. They rank fourth in scoring offense, eighth in field goal percentage, and sixth in 3pt field goal percentage. On the defensive end, they are tenth in scoring defense, ninth in opponent's field goal percentage, and seventh in 3pt defense.

With the Wolverines needing to win out to have a chance at an at-large bid into March Madness, expect them to come out firing on all cylinders. Rutgers' injuries will definitely hurt their defense, which is their biggest strength, and this could allow Michigan to take advantage and get some easy baskets, especially down low. Hunter Dickinson has been excellent all season, and he should be able to lead the Wolverines to a win in this crucial game. If the spread were lower, perhaps I would take a stab at Rutgers, considering their success at home, but they will have to win by two possessions to cover this line against a hungry Michigan team.

WeBeatTheSpread's Premium Rutgers vs. Michigan Pick

Pick: Michigan +5.5 @ (-110) Bet $100 to collect $191 DraftKings has the best odds, click here to bet