The No. 16'Illinois Fighting Illini'(21-7, 12-5 Big Ten) head to Kohl Center to face the Wisconsin Badgers (18-10, 10-7) Saturday at 1 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Let's analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the'Illinois vs. Wisconsin odds'as we make our expert'college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
Illinois, which is No. 16 in the', won barnburner Wednesday night over the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 105-97. It failed to cover the spread as a 12-point favorite but went over the 155.5 total. The Fighting Illini overcame Minnesota’s 14 made 3-pointers by dominating in the post, outscoring the Golden Gophers 50-38 in the paint. Three Fighting Illini starters scored 20+ points, led by G Terrence Shannon Jr.‘s 29. Illinois has averaged 90.6 points per game (PPG) over their last 8, going 6-2 over that stretch.
Wisconsin dropped its 6th game in its last 8 Tuesday night in Bloomington to the Indiana Hoosiers, 74-70. It failed to cover the spread as a 4-point favorite, but the Over (140) hit. The Badgers forced 12 Indiana turnovers but it was not enough to get the victory. Junior G Chucky Hepburn did a little bit of everything for Wisconsin in a losing effort, scoring 15 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, dishing 6 assists and picking up 2 steals. The Badgers have won 3 of their last 4 at home in Big Ten play.
The Fighting Illini have won the last 6 meetings against Wisconsin, including a 61-51 decision Jan. 28, 2023. Illinois covered the spread as 2-point favorite, and the Under (130.5) hit.