The Michigan Wolverines take on the Washington Huskies in Seattle, Washington. Tip-off is set for 10:30 p.m. ET on BTN.
Michigan is favored by 12.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -1100. The total is set at 164.5 points.
Here’s my Michigan vs. Washington prediction and college basketball picks for January 14, 2026.
Michigan vs Washington Prediction
My Pick: Michigan -12.5
My Michigan vs Washington best bet is on the Wolverines to cover the spread. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Michigan vs. Washington Odds
| Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-12.5 -110 | 164.5 -110 / -110 | -1100 |
| Washington Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+12.5 -110 | 164.5 -110 / -110 | +700 |
- Michigan vs Washington spread: Michigan -12.5
- Michigan vs Washington over/under: 164.5 points
- Michigan vs Washington moneyline: Michigan -1100, Washington +700
Michigan vs Washington College Basketball Betting Preview
Michigan Basketball
Over the first two months of the season, Dusty May’s Michigan bunch looked untouchable.
The Wolverines went on an unbelievably impressive 10-game stretch, dismantling opponents by an average margin just shy of 35 points. These weren’t merely favorable non-conference matchups as heavy favorites either, as the list of foes included San Diego State, Auburn, Gonzaga, Villanova and USC.
Per KenPom, Michigan’s +35.98 Adjusted Efficiency Margin leads the entire nation, with the Wolverines thriving on both sides of the ball.
That all made Saturday’s upset loss to Wisconsin that much more surprising.
In a game Michigan was favored by 18 points at the comfort of its own Crisler Center, the Badgers erased a 14-point deficit and handed the Wolverines their first loss of the season.
Michigan’s roster is loaded with experience from top to bottom, with former UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg leading the group. He's averaging just under 15 points per game, along with seven rebounds.
The 6-foot-9 senior has been on an absolute tear and is a matchup nightmare, especially for opponents lacking athleticism in the frontcourt.
Alongside Lendeborg, Michigan’s frontcourt features Morez Johnson Jr., who's also been extremely effective in the paint, converting nearly 65% of his field goal attempts.
Former Tar Heel guard Elliot Cadeau runs point for an offense that operates like a well-oiled machine, as May’s Wolverine squad also ranks fourth nationally in field goal percentage.
Despite the shocking loss to Wisconsin this past Saturday, I still view Michigan as the team to beat come March. It's merely a minor setback for a team I expect to dominate throughout the remainder of its Big Ten schedule.
Washington Basketball
In Danny Sprinkle’s second year as head coach at Washington, the Huskies have had an up-and-down start to the season, posting a 10-6 record heading into Wednesday night’s contest.
While Washington has dropped two of its last three games, it’s coming off an impressive home victory over Ohio State on Sunday, giving the Huskies some optimism ahead of Wednesday.
Washington is led by freshman forward Hannes Steinbach, who's averaging a spectacular 18.4 points while also grabbing 11 rebounds per contest. The 7-foot German has been unstoppable in the paint, showing great touch around the basket while converting 60% of his field goal attempts.
The Huskies’ backcourt has also been impressive through the first 16 games, led by 6-foot-4 sophomore Zoom Diallo and 6-foot-6 senior Desmond Claude, both of whom are averaging over 14 points per game.
Many expected top-50 freshman recruit JJ Mandaquit to run the Huskies' offense to start the season, but Sprinkle has largely leaned on his more experienced guards, a decision that's paid off with both Diallo and Claude excelling offensively.
Defense, however, has been far more of a liability for Washington, as the Huskies rank outside the top 50 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency.
While Steinbach has proven to be a major offensive threat, he lacks athleticism defensively and has struggled to contain quicker forwards around the basket.
Michigan vs. Washington Betting Analysis
Despite Saturday’s home loss to Wisconsin, I still view Michigan as a top-three team nationally.
The Wolverines boast the best defense in the country. This is a massive step up in competition for the Huskies.
I expect Michigan to come out highly motivated to bounce back from its first loss of the season, and for Steinbach to have far more difficulty finding clean looks near the basket.
May’s Wolverines are a powerhouse on both ends of the floor, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they blow the doors off an outmatched Husky squad.
I also like Michigan to cover the first-half spread.
My Pick: Michigan -12.5
