Michigan vs Maryland Odds
| Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -105 | 142.5 -105o / -115u | +126 |
| Maryland Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -115 | 142.5 -105o / -115u | -152 |
Maryland hosts Michigan on Thursday night in a game it needs to win in order to gain ground in the Big Ten standings. The Terrapins currently sit at 2-4 in conference after dropping three of their last four.
For a Michigan team sitting in third place in the Big Ten, this road test is an opportunity to gain ground on Rutgers and Purdue. The Wolverines will be looking to build upon a 85-78 victory against Northwestern in their last time out.
In order to determine who will take advantage of this opportunity, let's take a look at the odds and make a prediction for Michigan vs. Maryland.
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan has found its success this season through an offense and defense that both rank inside the top 70 in adjusted efficiency.
Although the Wolverines have developed a balanced attack, they have failed to perform on the road this season.
The Wolverines have just one true road victory, a 90-75 victory over Minnesota back on Dec. 8. Since this meeting, the Wolverines have dropped both of their true road tests to Michigan State and Iowa.
This inability to execute in road environments is important to note as they take on a Maryland team that has been at its best on its home floor. The Terrapins are 8-1 at home this season, with their only loss coming to No. 3 UCLA.
For the Wolverines to buck this trend, they will turn to center Hunter Dickinson, who is averaging a team high 17.8 points per game.
Maryland will attempt to match Dickinson's interior presence with 6-foot-9 Julian Reese and 6-foot-8 Donta Scott. This frontcourt duo has a block percentage of 3.4% and 3.5% respectively, which will be critical in slowing down Dickinson.
In addition to his ability to protect the rim, Reese has been able to draw 5.1 fouls per game. Getting Dickinson in foul trouble would greatly hinder a Michigan offense that has already struggled on the road.
Maryland Terrapins
Kevin Willard's Maryland team has a great opportunity to bounce back from an 81-67 defeat on the road against Iowa.
The Terrapins will look to outpace Michigan through their stifling defensive play. Maryland ranks 39th nationally in adjusted efficiency due to its ability to guard the perimeter.
Maryland's perimeter defense has allowed its opponents to score just 25.3% of their points from 3-point range, one of the lowest rates in the country.
This perimeter defense will be important against a Michigan team that wants to be successful from beyond the arc, as the Wolverines rank outside the top 100 in both 2-point and free-throw percentage.
The Terrapins' defense will be one of the few that Michigan faces that has the ability to match the Wolverines' size and length. The Wolverines are the 20th-tallest team in the country with an average height of 78.5". Maryland is not far behind this number, ranking 65th nationally in average height at 77.9".
Look for Maryland to limit the Wolverines' perimeter success and match their size and length on the interior.
Michigan vs Maryland Betting Pick
This is a great spot to invest in a Maryland team that will be glad to be back on its home floor after being outplayed by Iowa on Sunday.
The Terrapins have the size and experience (13th nationally) to limit the Wolverines on the offensive end.
Maryland will specifically limit Michigan's success from the perimeter, an area the Wolverines rely on for 31.3% of their scoring.
Additionally, look for the Terrapins' frontcourt to limit Dickinson through their ability to draw fouls and block shots.
Given these defensive advantages, I will gladly invest in a Maryland offense that ranks inside the top 70 in adjusted efficiency to outpace a Michigan team that's unproven on the road.
Pick: Maryland -3.5 or Better |
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