This is do-or-die time for Juwan Howard and his Wolverines squad. At just 7-6 and 1-2 in the conference, Michigan is off two losses followed by two COVID-forced postponements. The Wolverines should be well-rested and ready to go in Illinois on Friday. I don't expect them to win, but I don't expect a blowout, either. The Illini shoot the 3-pointer well, but Michigan defends the 3-point line at a top-30 clip. Illinois also hosts No. 7 Purdue on Monday, so the Boilermakers could be looking ahead. Take Michigan and the points.

Maybe a break due to COVID-19 will be a blessing in disguise for Michigan. The Wolverines have been one of this season's biggest disappointments coming off an Elite Eight appearance a year ago. This season, they are just 7-6 and heading to Champaign to face the red-hot Illini. Illinois has won ten of its last 11 and they are doing so without stud G Andre Curbelo. This doesn't seem like the place you go to get your problems fixed.