Indiana vs. Michigan: Odds, final score predictions from ESPN, KenPom

The Indiana Hoosiers (18-12) take on the Michigan Wolverines (17-13) in the 2nd Round of the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. ET. Here’s how to watch, odds, ESPN BPI predictions and KenPom game predictions as well for both teams ahead of Thursday’s Big Ten clash.

How to watch Indiana vs. Michigan

Time: 11:30 AM ET

Channel: BTN

Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse — Indianapolis, Indiana

Odds

Michigan is a 1.5-point favorite over Indiana on Thursday, according to Vegas Insider.

Money line: Michigan -164, Indiana +137

Spread: Michigan -1.5, -109, Indiana +1.5, –114

Total: Over/Under 133.5, -110

Check out the rest of Vegas’ odds for Thursday’s slate here.

ESPN BPI Predictions 

Matchup quality: 93.1%

Win probability: Michigan, 54.5%

Predicted point differential: 1.1

The College Basketball Power Index (BPI) is a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of performance going forward. BPI represents how many points above or below average a team is. Strength of Record (SOR) is a measure of team accomplishment based on how difficult a team’s W-L record is to achieve. 

Game predictions account for opponent strength, pace of play, site, travel distance, day’s rest and altitude, and are used to simulate the season 10,000 times to produce season projections. Numbers update daily,’ per ESPN.

For the rest of ESPN’s BPI predictions, click here.

KenPom Predictions

Score prediction: Michigan 70, Indiana 68

Win probability: Michigan, 54%

Check out the rest of KenPom’s predictions for Indiana vs. Michigan, and the rest of college basketball here.

More on Indiana vs. Michigan

When Indiana and Michigan face-off on Thursday, Wolverines coach Juwan Howard will return to the sidelines. After being suspended for Michigan‘s final five games of the regular season and being fined $40,000 for his postgame altercation with Wisconsin staffers on Feb. 20, Howard has officially been reinstated and is back with the team as they head into the postseason.

Meeting with the media on Wednesday for the first time in weeks, Howard had plenty of positive comments to make – most importantly thanking his entire team for how they came together without him.

“I was excited to see everyone join together, all hands on deck,” Howard said, as The Wolverine’s Anthony Broome shared on Twitter.

After thanking his assistant coaches and players for stepping up in his absence, Howard proceeded to reflect on his actions from the incident – which he said he has taken full responsibility for and has learned from.

“I can come with 1,000 excuses, but I will not,” Howard said. “I take full ownership for my actions. [Everything] would be excuses. That was not the right way to carry myself as a head coach at the University of Michigan. I was truly upset with myself and did soul-searching how I can improve.

“During that time, I reflected on the moment at Wisconsin and how I can be better as the head coach here. Let’s talk about the person.”

Michigan went 3-2 in Howard’s absence with associate head coach Phil Martelli leading the Wolverines down the stretch of the regular season, which was capped off Sunday with a 75-69 road win at No. 23 Ohio State.