Illinois Fighting Illini vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Prediction, Picks and Game Preview - 02/05/2025

Game Time: 8:30 pm ET, Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Venue:  Jersey Mike’s Arena, Piscataway, NJ

Where to Watch:  Big Ten Network

DraftKings:  Point Spread:  Illinois -7, Rutgers +7; Over/Under:  158.5 points

Bet365:  Point Spread:  Illinois -7, Rutgers +7; Over/Under:  158.5 points

BetMGM:  Point Spread:  Illinois -7, Rutgers +7; Over/Under:  158.5 points

Illinois Fighting Illini:  15-7 (7-5) (7th place, Big Ten)

Rutgers Scarlet Knights:  11-11 (4-7) (14th place, Big Ten)

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Illinois Fighting Illini:  2-3  last 5

Rutgers Scarlet Knights:  2-3  last 5

Illinois is entering this game with a 15-7 record overall, a 7-5 record in conference games, and they are 3-3 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are coming off a win against the Ohio State Buckeyes in their last game. Will Riley led the team in points per game in that game with 24 while Morez Johnson Jr. and Kylan Boswell each were next on the team with 14. Kasparas Jakučionis led the team in assists with 7 in that game while Morez Johnson Jr. led the team in rebounds with 15. They were 51.7% from the field, 20% from 3-point range, and 74.2% from the free throw line with their shooting in that game. Their offense is averaging 85.3 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 70.4 PPG against them. Illinois has an ATS record of 11-11 this season and their O/U record is 13-9.

Rutgers is entering this game with an 11-11 record overall, a 4-7 conference record, and they are 8-4 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are coming off a loss against the Michigan Wolverines in their last game. Jamichael Davis led the team in points in that game with 20 while Tyson Acuff was next on the team with 14. Ace Bailey and Jordan Derkack each led the team in assists with 3 in that game while Ace Bailey led the team in rebounds with 6. They were 32.8% from the field, 27.8% from 3-point range, and 69.2% from the free throw line with their shooting in that game. Their offense is averaging 76 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 74.6 PPG against them. Rutgers has an ATS record of 10-11-1 this season and their O/U record is 12-9-1.

The current betting odds have Illinois listed as a 7 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. Illinois has looked really good in their games this season with their 15-7 record overall and their 7-5 conference record which has them in the top half of the Big Ten. They haven't been a bad road team this year, but they haven't been great either with their 3-3 road record. Meanwhile, Rutgers hasn't looked good in their games this season with their 11-11 record overall and their 4-7 conference record which has them right near the bottom of the Big Ten. They have looked good on their home court with their 8-4 home record, but they have also taken some losses there against stronger opponents. They are coming off a home loss in their last one, losing in a close game to Michigan, but they have been struggling to win games at home since the start of conference play. They haven't been having a good year and even though Illinois has been up and down on the road this season, they are still a ranked team with some impressive road wins this season. They are coming off a win over Ohio State in their last one which is going to give them some momentum coming into this one and they have proven they can beat up on bad teams on the road this year. Illinois has a lot more talent at their disposal, look for them to roll into Rutgers and pick up another conference win. The best way to place a bet here is on Illinois to cover the spread in this game. 

Illinois Rutgers Prediction:  Our NCAAB Pick for Wednesday, February 5, 2025 (8:30 pm ET start time) is Illinois 88 Rutgers 78.

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Illinois Fighting Illini: 6-3 ATS in a road game where the total is 150 to 159.5. 24-14 ATS after scoring 85 points or more. 31-22 ATS versus teams who are called for 17 or less fouls/game. 12-6 OVER off a home win against a conference rival.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights: 4-8 ATS when the total is 150 to 159.5. 3-7 ATS versus up-tempo teams averaging 62 or more shots/game. 16-23 1H ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%). 7-3 OVER versus up-tempo teams averaging 62 or more shots/game.

Illinois Fighting Illini:  T. Rodgers (G) Out - Redshirt.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights:  D. Harper (G) Questionable - Ankle. E. Ogbole (C) Out - Knee.

“It puts a smile on my face to have him back.” - Brad Underwood on Tomislav Ivisic after his team’s win against Ohio State in their last game. 

“He’s an everyday guy, J-Mike. I love him. I don’t think he’s missed a practice in two years. And he was really good today. We needed it, obviously. J-Mike is awesome to coach – awesome.” - Steve Pikiell on Jamichael Davis after his team’s loss against Michigan in their last game. 

K. Boswell 

B. Humrichous 

T. Ivisic 

K. Jakucionis 

T. White

A. Bailey 

J. Davis 

D. Harper 

E. Ogbole 

J. Williams

PPG: K. Jakucionis (15.6)

APG: K. Jakucionis (5.5)

Reb/G: T. Ivisic (8.6)

PPG: A. Bailey (20.2)

APG: D. Harper (4.1)

Reb/G: A. Bailey (7.8)

Coaches:

Illinois Fighting Illini: Brad Underwood (8th season)

Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Steve Pikiell (9th season)