Michigan Wolverines vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Picks and Predictions November 11th 2025

Game Preview – Wake Forest vs Michigan

The Michigan Wolverines will look to keep their offensive fireworks rolling when they meet the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Tuesday night in Detroit.

No. 7 Michigan (1-0) opened its season with a historic 121-78 dismantling of Oakland, setting multiple program marks — including seven players scoring in double figures and tying a school record with 19 made three-pointers. The 121 points were Michigan’s most in a game since 1990.

Head coach Dusty May tempered expectations despite the explosive debut. “We’re a long way from being as good as we can be,” May said. “There were a few times we passed up good shots trying to make the extra play, but I’ll take that any day.”

Michigan’s balanced scoring attack was led by forward Morez Johnson Jr., who finished with 24 points, while transfer point guard Elliot Cadeau added 12 assists in his Wolverines debut. Cadeau, who transferred from North Carolina, will be familiar with Wake Forest after facing them three times in ACC play last season.

Wake Forest (2-0) heads into the matchup on a high note after sophomore guard Juke Harris erupted for a career-best 29 points in an 81-65 win over Morehead State. The Demon Deacons, however, struggled with consistency, prompting head coach Steve Forbes to call for more intensity. “We did have some guys who didn’t play well and didn’t show up,” Forbes said. “We’ve got some things to work on before playing a big one Tuesday.”

This will be a rematch of last year’s neutral-site meeting, where Wake Forest rallied from a 13-point deficit to edge Michigan 72-70 in Greensboro.

Line Movement and Odds

The Wolverines opened as 10.5-point favorites, with oddsmakers expecting another high-scoring game.

Market	Current Line
Spread	Michigan -10.5 (-110) / Wake Forest +10.5 (-110)
Total (O/U)	165.5 Points
Moneyline	Michigan -520 / Wake Forest +375

Track real-time updates and movement on the college basketball odds board.

Michigan Outlook

Michigan’s offense has been electric under first-year coach Dusty May. The Wolverines shot 61% from the field and 55% from three in the opener, averaging 1.48 points per possession — one of the highest efficiency marks in the country.

Their guard trio of Cadeau, Terrence Williams, and sophomore Kanaan Carlyle has created seamless ball movement, with the team recording 29 assists on 44 made field goals. Morez Johnson and Tarris Reed Jr. provide balance inside, combining for 36 points and 20 rebounds against Oakland.

Defensively, Michigan allowed 78 points but limited Oakland to 39% shooting from inside the arc. May emphasized the need to maintain focus on the glass and not rely solely on offense: “We need to be tough enough defensively to win even when the shots aren’t falling.”

Michigan Injury Report

No major injuries reported.

Wake Forest Outlook

The Demon Deacons have also started fast offensively, averaging 83 points through their first two games. Juke Harris has emerged as a breakout scorer, averaging 20.5 points per game on 58% shooting. Transfer center Efton Reid has added 12.5 points and 9.0 rebounds, anchoring the interior.

Wake Forest dominated the boards in its win over Morehead State, pulling down 53 rebounds — tying the most under Forbes. The emphasis on offensive rebounding has paid off, with a 75% crash rate goal driving second-chance scoring opportunities.

However, Wake Forest’s 16 turnovers per game remain an issue, and their perimeter defense has struggled against quicker guards — a potential red flag against Cadeau’s penetration and Michigan’s spacing.

Wake Forest Injury Report

No significant injuries reported.

Key Matchup / Path to Victory

The matchup between Michigan’s elite offensive tempo and Wake Forest’s rebounding edge will decide this contest. If the Wolverines’ shooters — who combined for 19 made threes — stay hot, the Demon Deacons may struggle to keep pace.

Wake Forest must slow the tempo and control the boards to limit transition chances. Juke Harris and Efton Reid need to have standout performances to offset Michigan’s perimeter firepower and Cadeau’s playmaking.

For advanced analytics and matchup projections, visit the NCAAB expert betting guide.

Betting Trends

• Michigan is 5-1 ATS in its last six games as a favorite.
• Wake Forest is 2-6 ATS in its last eight neutral-site contests.
• The over has hit in four of Michigan’s last five nonconference games.
• Wake Forest has gone over the total in three straight road/neutral games.
• Michigan has scored 100+ points in two of its last three nonconference matchups.

Check updated betting splits and public trends at college basketball picks.

Prediction

Michigan’s combination of shooting, tempo, and unselfish play should carry the day in Detroit. Expect the Wolverines to start fast again, with Cadeau orchestrating and Johnson dominating the paint. Wake Forest will battle on the boards but lacks the perimeter depth to keep up over 40 minutes.

Projected Score: Michigan 93, Wake Forest 79
Best Bet: Michigan -10.5
Total Lean: Over 165.5

Explore more verified predictions and line insights in the college basketball expert guide.

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