John Beilein’s Michigan Wolverines basketball team opens up the 2016-17 season officially on Friday night when they welcome Howard to Crisler Center for a 9 p.m. tip.

Much of the early part of the season usually features an array of cupcake teams and blowout games. While tonight’s game is not expected to be close, Howard should be a competitive test as one of the best teams in the MEAC and could possibly even be a tournament team this season.

Howard plays fast just like Michigan does, so it will be an early-season quiz of sorts to see how Beilein’s team has developed defensively.

Prediction: Michigan 84, Howard 66

How to Watch

Teams: Howard Bison (12-20 2015-16) at Michigan Wolverines (23-13)

Date: November 11th, 2016

Location: Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET

Television: BTN Plus

Radio: Michigan/IMG Sports Network (for a list of affiliates, click here)

GameThread

Join the discussion in the comments section below throughout the afternoon and into tonight’s game as Michigan opens its 2016-17 season.

Today’s pre-game question: How big of a step forward does Moritz Wagner take this season?