Michigan vs Duke Prediction 2/21/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Duke Blue Devils and the Michigan Wolverines will meet on Saturday night in a non‑conference matchup at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview

The Duke Blue Devils enter Saturday evening’s game with a 24–2 win‑loss record, including a 13-1 conference mark and an 8-1 record on the road. The Blue Devils have compiled wins over Michigan State, Florida, Lipscomb and the Florida Gators, while losing to Texas Tech and the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Earlier this season, in the Duke Blue Devils 67–66 victory over the Florida Gators, Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer accumulated 29 points (10 of 21 shooting from the field), 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal showcasing his ability to lead the Blue Devils frontcourt.

The Duke Blue Devils average 83 points (37th in nation) on 50.1 percent shooting from the field (14th in country) and 34.9 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Blue Devils are allowing opponents 64.2 points per contest which ranks 3rd in the nation.

Freshman guard Cameron Boozer has been a standout contributor for the Duke Blue Devils, averaging 22.8 points, 10 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. Sophomore center Patrick Ngongbka II is averaging 10.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.2 blocks per contest. Sophomore guard Isaiah Evans provides the Blue Devils with further backcourt stability averaging 14.7 points, 3 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.

Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview

The Michigan Wolverines enter Saturday evening’s contest with a 25–1 win‑loss record, including an 15-1 mark in conference play and an 12-1 record at home. Michigan has posted wins over Oakland, Wake Forest, TCU, Maryland, Rutgers, Middle Tennessee and San Diego State, while losing to the Wisconsin Badgers. In the Michigan Wolverines 81–71 victory over the Oregon Ducks earlier this month, Michigan guard Nimari Burnett tallied 15 points (6 of 10 shooting from the field), 12 rebounds, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block illustrating his ability to lead the Wolverines backcourt.

The Wolverines are averaging 90.6 points (2nd in country) on 51.4 percent shooting from the field (4th in nation) and 36.1 percent shooting from behind the arc per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Wolverines are allowing opponents 68.8 points per contest.

Sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. averages 13.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. Junior guard Elliot Cadeau contributes 10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, while senior guard Roddy Gayle Jr. adds 7.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal per contest. Center Aday Mara provides interior scoring, rebounding and rim protection for the Wolverines. Mara is averaging 11.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game.

Why the Duke Blue Devils Will Win

•             Elite defense. The Duke Blue Devils are allowing opponents 64.2 points per game which ranks 3rd in the country.

•             Ability to win on the road. The Blue Devils have compiled an 8-1 record on the road this season.  

•             Elite scoring. The Duke Blue Devils average 83 points (37th in nation) on 50.1 percent shooting from the field (14th in country) per game.

  •           Balanced roster. Boozer, Evans and Ngongba II provide scoring, rebounding, and defense.

Why the Michigan Wolverines Will Win

•            Michigan center Aday Mara has been solid in the paint. Mara is averaging 10.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.
•            Quality offensive basketball. The Wolverines are averaging 90.6 points (2nd in country) on 51.4 percent shooting from the field (4th in nation) per game.

•           Home court edge. The Michigan Wolverines have amassed a 12–1 record at home this season.

•           Balanced scoring. Michigan has five players averaging over 10 points per game.

Duke Blue Devils vs. Michigan Wolverines Prediction

This matchup features Duke’s elite shooting efficiency and offensive rebounding against a Michigan team that has been one of the most dominant scoring units in college basketball this season. In my view, Michigan’s overwhelming offensive firepower, non‑conference dominance and recent road statement at Purdue make this a difficult environment for the Blue Devils tomorrow night. With that said, I am backing the Michigan Wolverines to cover the 2.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Michigan -2.5