Illinois vs Wisconsin Prediction, Picks and Odds: Bet Badgers (-4) ATS on Feb 18

The 11th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers have climbed into the top four of the Big Ten and will be a strong 4-point favorite in the college basketball odds when they host the Illinois Fighting Illini on Tuesday.

The Badgers began the league season with two straight losses, including an 86-80 setback at Illinois on Dec. 10. Wisconsin has won 12 of 14 games since and four straight coming into the rematch, but has dropped nine in a row to the Illini.

Illinois has been up and down of late, going 4-5 in the last nine games after a 79-65 loss against Michigan State at home. The Illini lead the league in scoring (84.3) and are second in field goal percentage defense, which should have translated into more wins.

Before making your wager at BetUS Sportsbook, you must decide whether Illinois has Wisconsin’s number.

Illinois vs Wisconsin How to Watch

• Game: Illinois Fighting Illini (17-9, 9-7 Big Ten) vs Wisconsin Badgers (20-5, 10-4)
• Location: Kohl Center, Madison, Wis.
• Day/Time: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Illinois vs Wisconsin Live Stream: Fubo.tv

Illinois vs Wisconsin Betting Trends

• The over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings between Illinois and Wisconsin.
• The Badgers have only hit the game total under in 12 of their last 36 games.
• The Illini has covered the first half spread in 12 of their past 16 road outings.
• Wisconsin has hit the first half moneyline in 27 of its last 36 contests.
• The over is 7-0 in Illinois’ last seven games following a straight-up loss.

Top 3 Illinois vs Wisconsin Betting Picks

1. Bet Wisconsin ML (-175), -4 ATS (-110)

The Badgers have become a real force and the 94-84 victory at Purdue on Saturday was a very positive sign with March Madness just a few weeks away.

Wisconsin shot 61.5 percent from the field and made 12-of-30 attempts from 3-point range. The 58-point effort on the road in the second half sealed the victory as John Tonje poured in 32 points for the Badgers, who are 16-1 as a favorite this season, per Illinois vs Wisconsin stats.

🏆 Weekly Awards from @TheAndyKatz 🏆

Team of the Week: Auburn
Player of the Week: John Tonje pic.twitter.com/roHm45VxEX

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) February 17, 2025

Tonje averages 19.2 points, but has scored at least 22 in six of the past seven games to lead the way while John Blackwell and Max Klesmit take turns putting up strong numbers.

Illinois will be without Morez Johnson Jr. (wrist) indefinitely,and Tre White (9.3 ppg) is questionable due to illness. Monitor NCAAB news for status updates.

The Badgers can score, but they will need to play a little defense to be a factor when the tournaments begin. This will be a good test against a productive offensive team and our NCAAB prediction is that Wisconsin will pass.

Bet this Pick: Wisconsin (-4)

2. Bet Under Big Number (161)

We like betting the under in these big games. It doesn’t always work with late-game free throws and quick shots, like the Auburn-Alabama game on Saturday.

We think both teams will play this one a little tighter than their recent scoring surges. They combine for almost 166 points for and 142 against, per NCAAB betting trends.

Kasparas Jakucionis is averaging 21.7 points the last three games – almost six above his season mark – while 7-foot-1 Tomislav Ivisic (12.7 ppg) and Will Riley (18 ppg last six games) must be contained.

THREE BALL ✅
BLOCK ✅@IlliniMBB‘s Tomislav Ivisic can do it all 😤#B1GMBBall on Peacock 💻 pic.twitter.com/6CnyxrsuqR

— Big Ten Men’s Basketball (@B1GMBBall) January 15, 2025

The Illinois defense has its moments and Wisconsin will be better, led by Klesmit. Taking the under could be a solid bet online. The under is 4-0 in the last four Badgers’ games as a home favorite.

Bet this Pick: Under 161

3. Bet Klesmit 13+ Points in Badgers Win (+125)

You will need another huge game from John Tonje in a Wisconsin victory to make some good cash, but one of his supporting players might be the best player prop bet.

Max Klesmit is coming off his best game in a month when he scored 17 points in the victory at Purdue. The 6-4 senior guard was 5-of-10 from the field and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line after averaging just nine points over the previous six games.

Max Klesmit with the nifty move 😎 @BadgerMBB #B1GMBBall on CBS 📺 pic.twitter.com/JOzkcc9bFd

— Big Ten Men’s Basketball (@B1GMBBall) February 15, 2025

We think Klesmit will get some chances with Illinois concentrating on Tonje and Blackwell. Wisconsin’s Nolan Winter might also be worth including in NCAAB picks after scoring 12 versus Purdue. Winter shoots 57.8 percent from the field.

Bet this Pick: Max Klesmit 13+ points (+125)

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Questions Of The Day

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets