The Michigan Wolverines (17-12, 11-7 Big Ten) take on the topsy-turvy Illinois Fighting Illini (19-10, 10-8) in Champagne Thursday at 7 p.m. ET' (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Michigan at Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
After losing 72-60 at Ohio State on Sunday as 4.5-point favorites, Illinois returns home looking to avoid its 1st 2-game losing streak of the season.
Michigan comes in looking for another victory after defeating Wisconsin 87-79 as 5.5-point favorites in Ann Arbor on Sunday.
This will be a close game as the Big Ten rivals battle for position in the conference tournament. Illinois averages 74.2 points per game and Michigan averages 73.4 points.