The North Carolina Tar Heels (4-2) and Michigan Wolverines (4-2) meet Wednesday at Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, NC. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. ET. Below, we look at North Carolina at Michigan odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
The Tar Heels are coming into this game following a 19-point victory over UNC Asheville. With losses to ranked teams like Tennessee and Purdue, the Tar Heels have yet to cover a game this season. They’re 0-6 against the spread.
Averaging 15.7 points per game, Armando Bacot leads the Tar Heels. For the Wolverines, it’s forward Eli Brooks averaging the most on the team, ironically also 15.7 per game.
They’re 2-4 against the spread. Michigan has also lost their two matchups against ranked opponents, dropping games to Seton Hall and Arizona. They’re No. 24.
Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Michigan at North Carolina odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:15 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Michigan -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | North Carolina +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Against the spread (ATS): Michigan -1.5 (-112) | North Carolina +1.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 148.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Michigan at North Carolina odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Michigan 70, UNC 64
Money line
BET on MICHIGAN -125 as they should have the kryptonite for Bacot.
7-foot-1 Hunter Dickinson is averaging the second-most points per game for Michigan. He shoots around 61% from the field and should be able to impact the game defensively.
Bacot rarely goes against players bigger than him, and now he’ll be taking on the Wolverines who have a 7-footer and have allowed opponents under 40% shooting.
Also, UNC has struggled against good competition, losing to Tennessee by double figures and to Purdue by 9. This will be a prove-it game for both teams, and Michigan seems like they’re the better, more complete team.
Against the spread
PASS on the spread. I’d prefer to just play Michigan on the money line for the marginal difference.
Over/Under
BET on the UNDER 148.5 (-112) as Michigan should be able to limit UNC’s rebounding, and the Wolverines have actually been competent defensively.
UNC’s defense isn’t quite as formidable, which could pose issues and likely cost them the game. They have allowed opponents to shoot 44% from the field.
With that in mind, UNC doesn’t shoot many threes, averaging the 78th-most made threes in the nation. Michigan just isn’t good at shooting threes. They don’t hit even 30% and only have two players averaging more than a triple.
Combine all the above, and I would think the Under is the better play.
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