Michigan Wolverines vs. Arizona Wildcats odds, predictions, and betting tips – A Battle of Top Seeds

Both Michigan and Arizona are coming off double-digit-point wins in the Elite Eight, with Arizona downing Purdue by 15 and Michigan dismantling Tennessee by 32.

These are two of the best teams in the country, and their dominating performances throughout the tournament only reiterate that.

In a battle of arguably the two best teams in the country, in the round before the title game, who will come out on top? Let’s examine below.

Michigan vs. Arizona best bets

• Yaxel Lendeborg 15+ Points: -130 with FanDuel
• Brayden Burries Over 4.5 Rebounds: -170 with FanDuel
• Elliot Cadeau 2+ 3-Point Shots Made: -175 with BetMGM

The Wolverines have just been blowing by teams with relative ease throughout the tournament. Their smallest margin of victory was 13 points against Alabama in the Sweet 16, but they slowed down the Crimson Tide offense and beat them 90-77. Then, as mentioned, in the Elite 8, they smothered Tennessee and beat them by a whopping 32 points.
The Volunteers shot just 31.6% from the field, 19.2% from beyond the arc, and 52.9% from the free throw line. Interestingly, Tennessee scored 21 points off Michigan turnovers and still just got blown out. In that game, Yaxel Lendeborg was excellent, putting up 27 points on 10 of 19 shooting.

Four other players added double-digit points, and Elliot Cadeau had 10 assists. Michigan is the No. 1-rated team per KenPom, ranking fifth in offensive efficiency (128.2) and first in defensive efficiency (89.3).
As for the Wildcats, their smallest margin of victory was 12 points in the Round of 32, when they beat Utah State 78-66. After that, they outpaced one of the best offenses in the country, taking down Arkansas by 21 points and again, in the Elite 8, took out a team filled with some of the top players in the country in Purdue and made it look easy in the second half, outscoring Purdue 48-26.

The Wildcats were down seven heading into the second half, but after a 16-3 run early, they erased that and then some. Overall, Purdue shot just 38.1% from the field, their second-lowest rate of the season. They also got outrebounded 37-29, and Arizona outscored them in points off turnovers, 15-5, and in the paint, 40-24. Freshman Koa Peat led the way with 20 points, and three others added double-digit points. Motiejus Krivas had 12 boards.

This win came despite Arizona not shooting all too well either, including just 5 of 15 from beyond the arc and under 47% from the field. Arizona is fifth in offensive efficiency (128.6) and second in defensive efficiency (89.8).

Michigan vs. Arizona preview

This is one of those games where you could ask me my opinion that morning and that night, and I might give two different answers. This game is really going to be that close.

When I look over the rosters and the numbers, I believe Arizona has the edge in the backcourt with Jaden Bradley. He’s been with the team for several seasons now, was the Big 12 Player of the Year, and a third-team All-American.

But then I look to the frontcourt and Michigan has a slight edge. They shoot 61.3% on 2-point shots, but Arizona averages more rebounds, including offensive rebounds per game.
Gosh. Even sitting here typing up this preview, I’m a bit torn, but I think I’d lean towards Arizona on the point spread and Michigan on the moneyline.

I wish this were the national championship game.

Michigan vs. Arizona betting tips

Find the latest odds for Michigan vs. Arizona courtesy of Fanduel. Odds are subject to change.

Yaxel Lendeborg 15+ Points

Lendeborg has been scoring in droves lately, putting up 23 or more in each of his last three games. After putting up only nine points in the first round, he’s been averaging 25 points per game, and even with that nine-point outing, he’s still averaging 21 points per game over this tournament.

Over that three-game stretch, he’s shot an incredible 52.6% from beyond the arc and 79.4% from the field.

While I think he’ll continue to score, I do respect Arizona’s defense. They’re holding opponents to 31% shooting from beyond the arc and 44.1% on 2-point shots.

Given their defense, I think there will be a little regression in Lendeborg’s scoring, but he should hit 15.

Back Yaxel Lendeborg to have 15 points or more against Arizona at -184 with FanDuel

Brayden Burries Over 4.5 Rebounds

A freshman, Burries has been excellent this season, and that includes collecting rebounds. He’s averaging 4.9 per game, and over the course of the NCAA Tournament, he’s had five or more in each game.

While Michigan certainly has a more formidable frontcourt to gather rebounds than other opponents they’ve faced, Burries will have the edge against Michigan’s guards, all of which average 3.3 rebounds per game or less.

He’s had five or more in each game, and he’ll continue that trend.

Back Brayden Burries to have 5 rebounds or more against Michigan at -158 with FanDuel

Elliot Cadeau 2+ 3-Point Shots Made

Cadeau is shooting 37.7% from 3-point range this season, averaging 1.6 makes on 4.3 attempts. Throughout the NCAA Tournament, he’s landed two or more 3-point shots in two of four games, including against Alabama and Saint Louis.

He fell short against Tennessee in a massive blowout win, where he attempted only 2 and made 1, and against Howard, he shot only 1 of 5.

While Arizona has a great 3-point shooting defense, it did allow Purdue’s guards in the Elite Eight, namely Trey Kaufman-Renn and Braden Smith, to shoot well beyond the arc.

I think Cadeau will sink exactly two in this matchup.

Bet Elliot Cadeau to have 2 3-point shots made or more against Arizona at -175 with BetMGM

Michigan vs. Arizona injury report

Below are the key injuries to keep an eye on for Michigan vs. Arizona ahead of this contest.

Michigan Wolverines

• Out: L.J. Cason (guard) – knee; Ricky Liburd (guard/forward) – redshirt
• Questionable: Winters Grady (guard/forward) – undisclosed
• Doubtful: N/A

Arizona Wildcats

• Out: Bryce James (guard) – redshirt
• Questionable: N/A
• Doubtful: N/A

Michigan vs. Arizona game info

• Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
• Time: 8:49 pm ET
• Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana
• Where to watch: TBS/truTV/HBO Max

About the author

Richard Janvrin

Richard Janvrin brings nearly a decade of experience covering sports, sports betting, and everything iGaming. Richard received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism/English from the University of New Hampshire. Throughout his career, Richard has written for sites like Bleacher Report, Forbes, The Game Day, WSN, Gambling.com, and many more.

Find him on Twitter: @RichardJanvrin

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