The Michigan Wolverines (8-1, 1-0 Big Ten) and the Illinois Fighting Illini (6-3, 0-1) square off at State Farm Center at 9 p.m. ET in a Big Ten Conference clash. We analyze the Michigan-Illinois odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.
Michigan at Illinois: Three things you need to know
1. The Wolverines were drummed 58-43 at No. 1 Louisville Dec. 3, but they rebounded with plenty of anger, topping the Iowa Hawkeyes 103-91 at Crisler Center Dec. 6. While they lost the road game to the Cards, they do have impressive late November wins over then-No. 6 North Carolina (73-64) and then-No. 8 Gonzaga (82-64) on a neutral floor at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas.
2. Michigan is 41-18-2 against the spread in the past 61 against teams with a winning overall record.
3. Illinois is 2-6 ATS in the past eight against teams with a winning overall record.
Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!
Michigan at Illinois: Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Michigan 88, Illinois 77
Moneyline (ML)
MICHIGAN (+115) is going to win this game outright. An elite team, which beat Gonzaga and North Carolina, isn’t going to lose to an ordinary Illinois club, which has losses to Arizona, Miami (Fla.) and Maryland.
Against the Spread (ATS)
MICHIGAN (+1.5, -110) is worth a rather sizeable bet if you can afford it from your bankroll. Juwan Howard’s club is going to steamroll Illinois (-1.5, -110) on the road in Champaign. The Illini are improving, especially with dynamic freshman C Kofi Cockburn, but they’re not quite there yet.
New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Michigan to stay within 2 points in a loss or win outright would profit $9.09 if it does so.
Over/Under (O/U)
OVER 142.5 (-110) is the play in this one. I love the Wolverines and the Over as part of a multi-unit parlay. If you’re looking to make a little cheddar on Hump Day, that’s the way to go.
Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=11866]