Vegas odds, prediction in on Michigan’s NCAA Tournament showdown with LSU

The No. 1 seeded Michigan Wolverines have a chance to advance to the Sweet Sixteen with a win over No. 8 LSU on Monday night in Indianapolis. However, Vegas oddsmakers believe that the Wolverines will have their work cut out for them.

According to Vegas Insider’s consensus, Michigan (-285 on the moneyline) opened as a 4.5-point favorite heading into Monday night’s contest with the over/under for total points set at 145.5. Those lines have since moved to a five-point spread for the Wolverines and the over/under increasing to 148.

LSU (+185) comes into the contest with one of the most efficient and explosive offenses in college basketball, led by freshman phenom Cameron Thomas (22.8 points per game). KenPom ranks the Tigers as the No. 5 offense in college hoops. The defensive side of the ball is a much different story, as LSU possesses the No. 122 defense. The opportunity for Michigan to get good and easy looks will be there for the taking.

It is hard to get a feel for this game given that we still do not know what this team is without Isaiah Livers on the floor. Michigan is a popular pick to be upset, but LSU has rarely seen a defense like the one the Wolverines will throw at them.

KenPom projects an 81-74 win for the Wolverines and a 74 percent chance of victory. Look for a statement game from Michigan on a quick turnaround.

Pick: Michigan -5

While far from a gambling expert, yours truly is coming off of an 8-0 record In the Sunday slate of games. Gamble responsibly, friends.