Michigan starting point guard DeVante' Jones will not play against in the Round of 64 due to lingering effects from a concussion, the team announced on Wednesday.
Jones suffered the injury during an inadvertent elbow in practice, head coach Juwan Howard said.
The Wolverines' spread had opened at -2.5, and it was at that mark as recently as Tuesday night.
That line has since moved to Michigan -1 at DraftKings, FanDuel and BetRivers. The best number on the market if you're looking to fade Michigan is -1.5 with BetMGM, PointsBet and Caesars.
The point guard's absence is worth 2.8 points to the spread, according to one of Action Network's data specialists, Brad Cunningham.
This NCAA Tournament contest tips off Thursday at 12:15 p.m.
Jones transferred from Coastal Carolina after three seasons with the Chanticleers. He averaged 10.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game for Michigan this season, peaking down the home stretch.
True freshman Frankie Collins will likely take over starting point guards duties Thursday.
Despite the Wolverines' flaws this season, they were able to limp into a First Four bye based on their pedigree, strength of schedule and victories over solid teams.
It's why they're favorites over Colorado State despite being a No. 11 seed.
My colleague PJ Walsh wrote yesterday how double-digit-seeded favorites have fared historically.
The general answer? Pretty well! But the sample size is incredibly limited, so make sure to formulate your own thesis before dropping money on Michigan.
Not to mention that, without their starting point guard, the road ahead may be tougher for a team that has already drastically underperformed so far this season.
