by Rod Pearson
Monday, Feb 12, 2024
Game Time: 7:00 pm ET, Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Venue: State Farm Center, Champaign, IL
Where to Watch: Peacock
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Michigan +16, Illinois -16; Over/Under: 153.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Michigan +16, Illinois -16; Over/Under: 153.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Michigan +16, Illinois -16; Over/Under: 153.5 points
Season Record
Michigan Wolverines: 8-16 (3-10) (14th place, Big Ten)
Illinois Fighting Illini: 17-6 (8-4) (2nd place, Big Ten)
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Recent Form
Michigan Wolverines: 1-4 last 5
Illinois Fighting Illini: 3-2 last 5
Michigan Wolverines vs Illinois Fighting Illini Preview and Analysis
Michigan is entering this game with an 8-16 record overall, a 3-10 record in conference games, and they are 2-6 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are coming off a loss against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in their last game. Nimari Burnett led the team in points per game in that game with 18 while Tarris Reed Jr. and Terrance Williams II each were next on the team with 9. Terrance Williams II and Nimari Burnett each led the team in assists with 3 in that game while Olivier Nkamhoua led the team in rebounds with 10. They were 32.3% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range, and 73.3% 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 78.4 PPG against them. Michigan has an ATS record of 7-17 this season and their O/U record is 14-10.
Illinois is entering this game with a 17-6 record overall, an 8-4 conference record, and they are 12-2 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are coming off a loss against the Michigan State Spartans in their last game. Terrence Shannon Jr. led the team in points in that game with 28 while Coleman Hawkins was next on the team with 14. Coleman Hawkins led the team in assists with 7 in that game while Terrence Shannon Jr. and Luke Goode each led the team in rebounds with 7. They were 43.3% from the field, 36.7% from 3-point range, and 85% from the free throw line with their shooting in that game. Their offense is averaging 82.4 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 70.4 PPG against them. Illinois has an ATS record of 11-9-3 this season and their O/U record is 15-8.
Michigan vs Illinois Prediction
The current betting odds have Illinois listed as a 16 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. Illinois has looked really good in their games this season with their 17-6 record overall which has them ranked inside the top 25 teams in the country and ranked as a top 10 team in the nation too. They have looked great in the Big Ten this year with their 8-4 conference record which has them right near the top of the conference. They have also looked great on their home court with their 12-2 home record. Meanwhile, Michigan has looked terrible in their games this season with their 8-16 record overall and their 3-10 conference record which has them right at the bottom of the Big Ten. They haven't looked any better in their road games either with their 2-6 road record. They just got blown out by Nebraska in their last game on the road and now they are playing a much tougher team that is looking to climb the Big Ten and remain as one of the top teams in the conference. Illinois is coming off a loss of their own in their last one but that was a game they were leading in and blew their lead very late so they will be looking to bounce back in this game now that they are back on their home court and against a much weaker opponent too. The best way to place a bet here is on Illinois to cover the spread in this game.
Michigan Illinois Prediction: Our NCAAB Pick for Tuesday, February 13, 2024 (7:00 pm ET start time) is Illinois 83 Michigan 63.
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NCAAB Betting Trends
Michigan Wolverines: 7-17 ATS in all games. 3-10 ATS against conference opponents. 4-12 ATS after a game where they failed to cover the spread. 8-3 OVER when the total is 150 to 159.5. 19-9 OVER after playing a road game. 31-21 OVER after 5 straight games forcing the opponent to commit 14 or less turnovers.
Illinois Fighting Illini: 22-11 ATS after scoring 80 points or more. 11-5 ATS after 5 straight games forcing opponents to commit 14 or less turnovers. 15-8 OVER in all games. 9-3 OVER against conference opponents. 10-4 OVER after one or more consecutive overs.
Key Injuries
Michigan Wolverines: J. Howard (G) Ques Tues - Undisclosed. I. Burns (G) Ques Tues - Undisclosed. C. Smith (G) Out indefinitely - Undisclosed.
Illinois Fighting Illini: A. Hansberry (F) Ques Tues - Back. S. Harris (G) out for season - Redshirt.
Notable Quotes
"The story is still being written, that’s the best way to put it. Every great story, every great movie has its plot twists and its highs and its lows. But at the end of the day, the thing that I know is happening within our building is our guys are committed, our staff is committed. We’re working extremely hard to grow this thing and see where we’re at come the end of the season." - Saddi Washington on the college basketball season Michigan has been having this year.
“Give them all the credit. They were obviously the aggressor. You're a passive, soft team when you're fouling." - Brad Underwood after his team’s loss against MSU in their last game on Saturday.
Starting Lineups
Michigan Wolverines
N. Burnett
D. McDaniel
O. Nkamhoua
T. Reed
T. Williams
Illinois Fighting Illini
M. Domask
Q. Guerrier
C. Hawkins
T. Rodgers
T. Shannon
Statistical Leaders
Michigan Wolverines
PPG: D. McDaniel (16.8)
APG: D. McDaniel (4.7)
Reb/G: O. Nkamhoua (7.4)
Illinois Fighting Illini
PPG: T. Shannon Jr. (20.5)
APG: M. Domask (3.4)
Reb/G: Q. Guerrier (7.4)
Coaches:
Michigan Wolverines: Juwan Howard (5th season)
Illinois Fighting Illini: Brad Underwood (7th season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
