The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are clawing their way out of the Big Ten basement and into a spot in the upcoming conference tournament.
The Scarlet Knights have won two straight games, jumping up in the standings to better their shot at a postseason ticket. But the work isn’t done.
Rutgers travels to Ann Arbor for a matchup with the Michigan Wolverines tonight, and standout freshman Dylan Harper is leading the charge.
I like Harper to have a night against UM, backing that up with my best Rutgers vs. Michigan predictions and college basketball picks for February 27.
Rutgers vs Michigan prediction
My best bet
Dylan Harper Over 17.5 points (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
Dylan Harper’s recent outings have the 6-foot-6 guard climbing the NBA Draft boards.
The freshman has put up 20 or more points in four of his last six games since returning from an ankle injury on February 4, including erupting for 25 and 34 points, respectively, in Rutgers’ recent wins over Washington and USC.
With the Rutgers Scarlet Knights teetering on missing the Big Ten tournament, Harper locked in. He was a combined 18-for-31 from the floor in those victories, including 8-for-16 from beyond the arc.
He missed the first meeting with the Michigan Wolverines due to that ankle injury back on February 1 — a game Rutgers might have won if Harper had been healthy. The Scarlet Knights took the fight to UM as 6.5-point home underdogs, losing but covering in a 66-63 defeat.
Despite that tight finish last time out, tonight’s betting markets write a game script that has Rutgers playing from behind and needing Harper to shoulder the scoring load.
He’s an aggressive shooter on the road, averaging more than 15 FGAs (vs. less than 13 at home), including more than six shots from beyond the arc. Harper has been more active from deep since coming back from injury, launching eight attempts from outside in each of the past three games.
While team goals are always front-and-center, this could very much be a business trip for Harper, who is currently projected to be the Top 3 selection, alongside Duke standout Cooper Flag and teammate Ace Bailey.
With Rutgers' postseason plans still not settled and a ticket to the NCAA Tournament not happening, Harper has very few chances to bolster his draft stock and lock in that Top 3 selection and the money that comes with it.
Player projections aren’t shy about Harper’s potential tonight. Most models sit above 16 points with some trending past 20, with a ceiling of 27 points. My forecast is just shy of 20 points for Harper, which has me betting Over 17.5 points from Rutgers’ one-and-done superstar.
Rutgers vs Michigan same-game parlay (SGP)
Dylan Harper Over 17.5 points
Dylan Harper 2+ 3-pointers
Michigan moneyline
Harper has been on a tear trying to get Rutgers to the Big Ten tournament. I have him scoring around 20 points tonight.
Harper hasn’t been shy to let it fly from deep in recent games and the Knights will be playing from behind, prompting more 3-point attempts.
Game models call for a comfortable UM win but with the NBA-ready talent on the floor for Rutgers, I’ll keep it simple and bet the Wolverines to win outright rather than cover the hefty spread.
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Rutgers vs Michigan odds
Rutgers vs Michigan live odds
Rutgers vs Michigan opening odds
- Spread: Rutgers +10.5 | Michigan -10.5
- Moneyline: Rutgers +447 | Michigan -593
- Over/Under: Over 154 | Under 154
Odds courtesy of bet365
Rutgers vs Michigan betting trend to know
Michigan has covered the spread in only 12 of its last 31 games (-9.05 Units/-26% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Rutgers vs. Michigan.
How to watch Rutgers vs Michigan
| Location | Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI |
| Date | Thursday, 2-27-2025 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
Rutgers vs Michigan key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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