Wisconsin Badgers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini odds predictions pick betting line spread

Wisconsin at Illinois odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Wisconsin at Illinois odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 22 Wisconsin Badgers (8-2, 0-1 Big Ten) face the Illinois Fighting Illini (6-2, 0-1) Tuesday. Tip-off from State Farm Center in Champaign is set for 9 p.m. ET (Peacock). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Wisconsin vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Badgers dropped their second straight game, falling to the No. 4 Marquette Golden Eagles 88-74. They couldn’t cover as 6.5-point road underdogs, and the Over (149.5) cashed. The Golden Eagles dominated inside, outscoring Wisconsin 44-28 in the paint. Despite the loss, G Max Klesmit put up a strong effort, leading the Badgers with 22 points.

Illinois dropped a tough one in its Big Ten opener Friday, losing at the Northwestern Wildcats 70-66 in overtime. The Illini came up short as 3-point road favorites and the Under (142) hit. Freshman G Kasparas Jakucionis was outstanding with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, a steal and a block. But 11 team turnovers proved too much to overcome in the end.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

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Wisconsin at Illinois odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 12:53 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Wisconsin +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Illinois -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Wisconsin +6.5 (-110) | Illinois -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 154.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Wisconsin at Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 80, Wisconsin 70

Moneyline

PASS.

Illinois (-275) will win, but it won’t come easy. Expect the Fighting Illini to pull away in the second half and cover the spread. Instead of risking 2.75 units to profit just 1 on the moneyline, I’ll stick with betting on the spread for better value.

Against the spread

BET ILLINOIS -6.5 (-110).

At first glance, Illinois laying 6.5 points might seem high, but the numbers support the Illini. Both teams are coming off tough losses, with Wisconsin failing to cover in 3 straight games and in 4 of its last 6.

The Illini are 5-0 at home so far this season and have covered 3 of their last 4 games overall. They average an impressive 89.4 points per game (PPG) in Champaign, winning there by an average of 38.8 points.

The Illini have dominated this head-to-head series, beating and covering against Wisconsin in 8 straight matchups dating back to January 2020. While the Badgers are shooting 34.7 percent from deep, the Illini defense, which allows just 62.5 PPG and holds opponents to 25.1 percent from 3, will make things tough.

Look for the ILLINI -6.5 (-110) to bounce back strong with a decisive win Tuesday at home.

Over/Under

PASS.

This is a classic offense-vs.-defense showdown, making the total tough to call.

Illinois boasts a high-powered offense, averaging 86.3 PPG (17th nationally per NCAA.com), and a stifling defense, holding opponents to 62.5 PPG (21st). Wisconsin averages 82.0 PPG (59th) and yields 70.9 PPG (174th).

Wisconsin trends toward Overs, cashing in 8 of its 10 games, while Illinois has hit the Under in 6 of its last 8.

I’d lean toward the Under given the grind-it-out style of Big Ten matchups, but I don’t feel confident enough to lock it in.

Focusing on the spread seems like the best play in this one.

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Big Ten Tournament: Wisconsin vs. Illinois odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Wisconsin Badgers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Big Ten odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Wisconsin Badgers (22-12, 11-9 Big Ten) and the No. 14 Illinois Fighting Illini (25-8, 14-6 Big Ten) meet in the Big Ten Championship Sunday afternoon. Tipoff at Target Center is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Wisconsin vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Wisconsin reached the title game by upsetting the top-seeded Purdue Boilermakers 76-75 in overtime on Saturday. G Chucky Hepburn scored a team-high 22 points, including the game-tying layup to send the game to OT. G Max Klesmit, who had 5 assists, knocked down a runner in the lane with under 5 seconds to play in the extra period to secure the win for the Badgers.

Illinois trailed Nebraska by double digits to close out the 1st half in the 2nd semifinal matchup Saturday, but the Illini surged ahead offensively in the final 20 minutes and beat the Cornhuskers 98-87. G Terrence Shannon Jr. scored a season-high 40 points, a record for the most points scored in a Big Ten Tournament game.

This is the 2nd meeting this season. On March 2, Illini F Marcus Domask scored a game-high 31 points in a 91-83 victory in Madison. Illinois has not lost to Wisconsin since 2019, winning the last 7 matchups.

– Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Wisconsin vs. Illinois odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:36 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Wisconsin +132 (bet $100 to win $132) | Illinois -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Wisconsin +3.5 (-115) | Illinois -3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 148.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Wisconsin vs. Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 79, Wisconsin 76

Moneyline

BET ILLINOIS -160.

Shannon, who was the 2nd-leading scorer in the Big Ten (21.9 points per game) behind Purdue’s Zach Edey, is having a monster tournament. It’s a lot of juice to lay, but Illinois is the better team and Brad Underwood’s squad should be able to outlast the Badgers.

Against the spread

PASS.

Greg Gard’s group has gotten hot at the right time after a rough stretch in February and early March which saw Wisconsin go 2-7. I don’t expect the Badgers to win their 1st Big Ten Tournament title since 2015, but I do believe it will be close, similar to when Illinois took down Ohio State 91-88 in OT in the 2021 title game.

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Over/Under

BET OVER 148.5.

Expect junior G Hepburn, along with sophomore G AJ Storr to take plenty of shots as they try to help Wisconsin keep pace with the No. 1 scoring offense in the Big Ten (Illinois averages 84.2 PPG).

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Wisconsin at Illinois odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Wisconsin at Illinois odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 11 Wisconsin Badgers (17-3, 8-2 Big Ten) visit the No. 18 Illinois Fighting Illini (15-5, 8-2) Wednesday night in Champaign, Ill. The battle for Big Ten supremacy at the State Farm Center is slated to tip off at 9 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Wisconsin vs. Illinois odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Wisconsin and Illinois went into Tuesday’s action tied for first place in the Big Ten standings. The Badgers have been solid on both sides of the ball and are among the leaders in the nation in turnover avoidance. UW is 9-1 in its last 10 games (4-0 on the road in that stretch); the Badgers have averaged just 8.2 turnovers per game over that span.

The Fighting Illini are coming off two straight wins by a narrow margin. Victories over Michigan State and Northwestern came after losses to Maryland and Purdue Jan. 17 and Jan. 21. Illinois also rates well on both sides of the ball, and the Illini are the second-best rebounding team in the Big Ten (Purdue).

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Wisconsin at Illinois odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:15 p.m. ET.

Money line: Wisconsin +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Illinois -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Wisconsin +6.5 (-108) | Illinois -6.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 136.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Wisconsin at Illinois odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 71, Wisconsin 65

Money line

Illinois is the better-shooting team and has logged some impressive defensive performances recently. Consensus All-American C Kofi Cockburn is back in the lineup after missing two games due to injury, and he looked fine Saturday at Northwestern (22 points, nine rebounds).

The Illini have won three straight from Wisconsin, and the ILLINOIS (-300) tag for this game in Champaign is worthy of a partial-unit play.

Against the spread

The game has an under lean, and figuring U of I getting by with a 6.5-point cushion isn’t worth it. Illinois figures to start fast at home, and if you can get a few more points on Wisconsin after tipoff, maybe it’s worth it. Until then – PASS.

Over/Under

These Big Ten foes both play at a moderate pace. But U of I has lengthened its possessions of late, and UW is coming off its slowest-tempo game in nearly two months.

The Under is 6-3-1 across the last nine series meetings, and the UNDER 136.5 (-108) is the value play here.

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Wisconsin at Illinois odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Wisconsin at Illinois odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Wisconsin Badgers (1-3, 0-2 Big Ten) travel to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini (2-4, 1-2) Saturday. Kickoff from Memorial Stadium in Champaign is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at Wisconsin vs. Illinois odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Wisconsin is coming in having suffered a 21-point home loss to Michigan last weekend. All three of the Badgers’ losses have been to teams that are now ranked top-15 according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports, while Wisconsin fell out of the top-25 two weeks ago.

The Badgers are led by sophomore QB Graham Mertz, who has struggled at times, tossing 4 interceptions against Notre Dame and throwing for just 115 yards last weekend.

The Fighting Illini haven’t necessarily been good this season with losses to UTSA, Purdue, Virginia and Maryland. RB Chase Brown rushed for over 250 yards last weekend in their victory over Charlotte.

Wisconsin at Illinois odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Money line: Wisconsin -420 (bet $420 to win $100) | Illinois +320 (bet $100 to win $320)
Against the spread (ATS): Wisconsin -10.5 (-115) | Illinois +10.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Wisconsin at Illinois odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wisconsin 31, Illinois 17

Money line

PASS on the money line. While -420 for Wisconsin isn’t unreasonable, given it’s lost three of four this season I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking the risk.

Against the spread

BET on WISCONSIN -10.5 (-115) as it’s still the superior team despite recent struggles. The Badgers absolutely crushed Eastern Michigan in their lone gimme of the season.

Wisconsin played a solid game against now top-five ranked Penn State, and while its showings against Notre Dame and Michigan weren’t quite positive, it did enter the half down just 3 to the Wolverines.

While Mertz has struggled with turnovers, the Fighting Illini aren’t at the same level as the three elite defenses he’s faced and he should be able to move the ball. The Fighting Illini gave up over 750 yards through the air to Maryland and Virginia combined in Weeks 2 and 3.

Expect Mertz to finally show his talent, and the Badgers to win this one with ease. They were a top-25 team to start the season for a reason.

Over/Under

BET on the OVER 41.5 (-112) as the best value in this game. The Badgers have Mertz who can cook poor defense. RB Chez Mellusi also put over 100 rushing yards on Eastern Michigan. The Badgers should be able to finally get going offensively.

As for the Fighting Illini, they’ll be at home and should get some energy from the crowd. They’ve hit 20 or more points three times and have only been held to under 10 points just once.

Wisconsin should come to life while Illinois should be able to keep pace for a while.

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Wisconsin at Illinois odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Wisconsin Badgers at Illinois Fighting Illini odds and lines, with college basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The 20th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers (14-5, 8-4 Big Ten) visit the No. 13 Illinois Fighting Illini (12-5, 8-3) Saturday for a 2:30 p.m. ET conference showdown. Below, we analyze the Wisconsin-Illinois college basketball odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Wisconsin at Illinois: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: Wisconsin +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Illinois -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Wisconsin +4.5 (-110) | Illinois -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 136.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Wisconsin at Illinois: Three things to know

Wisconsin is coming off a home-and-away split with Penn State. The Badgers won 72-56 as 8.5-point home favorites Tuesday following an 81-71 loss as 4-point road favorites Jan. 30. They are 2-2 straight-up and 2-2 ATS in their last four games. Senior G D’Mitrik Trice leads UW in scoring (13.3 points per game), and senior F Micah Potter is the top rebounder (6.6 RPG).
Illinois enters on a 3-game win streak, needing overtime to claim its most recent victory, a 75-71 thriller at Indiana Tuesday. The Illini were 3-point favorites and have covered the spread three games in a row. Junior G Ayo Dosunmu paces the Illini in scoring (21.2 PPG) and assists (4.6 APG).
This is the first of two head-to-head matchups between the rivals this season. The Illini took the lone meeting last season, rallying for a 71-70 victory as 5.5-point road underdogs. Dosunmu scored the Illini’s final four points, including a 3-pointer with 46 seconds left as Illinois snapped 15-game losing streak in the series.

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Wisconsin at Illinois: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Illinois 71, Wisconsin 63

Money line (ML)

PASS. Illinois will prevail, but the -200 price is not worth the risk.

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Against the spread (ATS)

ILLINOIS -4.5 (-110) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. The Illini will win this game on the boards, keeping the Badgers from second-chance opportunities.

The Illini rank eighth in the country in rebound margin at 9.8 RPG, which leads the Big Ten. Sophomore C Kofi Cockburn is the main culprit, averaging a Big Ten-best 10.2 RPG. It could be a long afternoon for the Badgers’ big men.

ATS: Wisconsin 9-9-1 | Illinois 10-6-1

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 136.5 (-110) is the play. While Illinois scores 82.2 PPG to rank 18th in the country, Wisconsin’s defense leads the Big Ten at 62.5 PPG allowed to rank 24th.

These two love to play defense. The Under is 5-2 in the Badgers last 7 games, while the Under is 5-1 in the Illini’s last six home games.

O/U records: Wisconsin 10-9 | Illinois 10-7

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