Michigan State vs Illinois Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
Winner Back in the Top 25?
Izzo Thinks It’s March
The Michigan State Spartans (12-4) are always a dangerous team in the NCAA Tournament, even in years they’ve barely squeaked in the field of 64. A lot of that success is because Tom Izzo is closing in on his 30th year in East Lansing, and he’s got his Spartans squad in top form with seven straight wins heading into Friday night’s meeting with the Illinois Fighting Illini (11-5).
Despite MSU being on a hot streak, it’s the Fighting Illini who are -6½ point favorites in Friday night’s NCAA basketball odds.
Let’s check the latest college basketball odds, stats, injury reports, and college basketball lines for Michigan State vs Illinois. We’ve plenty of NCAA basketball odds for you to consider.
Spartans Filling All Roles
Michigan State didn’t know what to expect this season after losing three key Senior contributors from last year’s club. However, Izzo has proven to work his magic once again, playing without a standout superstar but getting great scoring depth from the likes of Tyson Walker (13.9 ppg), Joey Hauser (13.8), and A.J. Hoggard (12.0).
Whatever Michigan State is doing, it’s working, as they are coming off a 69-65 win over Wisconsin on Tuesday, and it’s always tough to get a win in Madison. Prior to the victory over the Badgers, MSU stifled their in-state rival Michigan in a 59-53 win in East Lansing to cover the -3½ bet online point spread.
Holding the Wolverines to a season-low 53 points has helped Michigan State climb a bit to #7 in the Big Ten in points allowed, although they are still way down there at 10th in points scored.
Illinois Starting To Build Something
The Fighting Illini have been the Forrest Gump of the basketball world this season, as you never know what you’re going to get. Illinois has impressive top 10 wins over UCLA (79-70) and Texas (85-78) but has also been blown out by Missouri 93-71 and lost to Northwestern (73-60) in rivalry games where the Illini were favored.
The good news for Brad Underwood’s program as they look to be back on the up-and-up following a couple of impressive conference performances. Illinois beat Wisconsin 79-69 last weekend to cover the -7½ point spread for sport betting and followed that up with a 76-50 rout in Nebraska on Tuesday.
Illinois has a trio of players that can hurt a team on any given night, led by Terrence Shannon, Jr., who is averaging 24.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in the last two games. Coleman Hawkins had 20 points in the win over Wisconsin and had a triple-double against Syracuse earlier this season. Matthew Mayer is a consistent scorer who has tallied double figures in seven of the last eight.
Michigan State vs Illinois Game Injuries
Michigan State vs Illinois Head-to-Head
Illinois swept the season series last year but barely squeaked out a 56-55 win in Champaign. The home team failed to cover in either meeting after going 5-0 ATS at the sportsbook the previous five.
Michigan State vs Illinois Game Information
- Game: Michigan State (12-4, 4-1 Big Ten) vs Illinois (11-5, 2-3)
- Location: State Farm Center, Champaign, IL
- Day/Time: Friday, Jan. 13, 9:00 PM ET
- Michigan State vs Illinois Live stream: TBS.com
Michigan State vs Illinois Betting Lines
Michigan State vs Illinois Picks and Prediction
Both of these teams could be interesting plays in March Madness odds, as both are trying to get back into the top 25. That being said, 6½ points is just too many for Illinois to be giving here, considering it wouldn’t be a complete surprise if the Spartans won this game outright.
Michigan State is listed at +225 in our Vegas Lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Spartans, you have a chance to win $225. The Fighting Illini are -275, offering a chance to win $36 on a $100 bet.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives the Spartans a 30.77% chance to win, with the Fighting Illini at 73.33%.
Michigan State vs Illinois Trends
Michigan State vs Illinois Edge
Michigan State vs Illinois Results
Michigan State vs Illinois Game Summary
