Michigan vs. Colorado State: NCAA Tournament odds, final score predictions from ESPN, KenPom

The Michigan Wolverines (17-14) take on the Colorado State Rams (25-5) in the 1st Round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday at 12:15 p.m. ET. Here’s how to watch, odds, ESPN BPI predictions and KenPom game predictions as well for both teams ahead of Thursday’s 1st Round clash.

How to watch Michigan vs. Colorado State

Time: 12:15 PM ET

Channel: CBS

Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse — Indianapolis, Indiana

Odds

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

Money line: Michigan -123, Colorado State +101

Spread: Michigan -1.5, -110, Colorado State +1.5, –110

Total: Over/Under 137.5, -110

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

ESPN BPI Predictions 

Matchup quality: 78.0%

Win probability: Michigan, 72.4%

Predicted point differential: 5.8

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 72, Colorado State 71

Win probability: Michigan/Colorado State, 50%

Check out the rest of KenPom’s predictions for Michigan vs. Colorado State and the entirety of college basketball here.

More on Michigan vs. Colorado State

The Michigan Wolverines will be without one of their key players, as DeVante’ Jones did not travel with the team due to being in concussion protocol.

Michigan head coach Juwan Howard confirmed during a press conference on Wednesday before giving a heartfelt response on the situation. He said after joining the program this season, Jones has been a huge part of the Wolverines’ success and was upset he would not be on the court.

“He will not be able to suit up on Thursday,” Howard said. “Unfortunately, it’s a bummer because here is a young man who has been a part of Coastal Carolina. Had a lot of success there. Now, he has the opportunity to play at the University of Michigan and led our team. He’s also a big reason why we’re here. What it is, at this moment, we’re going to monitor his health, pray that he gets healthy. But overall I love how his teammates are going to be there to stand up and play hard for him.”

Howard went on to explain how Jones suffered the concussion, taking an elbow during practice in the lead-up to the first-round matchup. When giving a timeline for the guard’s return, assuming Michigan advances past Colorado State, the head coach was cautious.

“When you go out and practice, competitive practices, where guys are competing, an advertent elbow as you drive into the lane, he got elbowed in the nose area,” said Howard. “And looking at it day by day. I’m sure he’s going to be healthy soon, take his time. We’re not trying to rush him back. We want him 100% healthy, DeVante’.”

Jones transferred to Michigan from Coastal Carolina this season and has been a huge piece for the Wolverines throughout the season. Being the team’s third-leading scorer with 10.7 points per game, Jones has been at his past over the past month and a half. Since February began, he has been in double figures 10 times and had a season-best 25 points against Illinois.