Illinois Fighting Illini (17-5) vs. Michigan State Spartans (14-9)
February 10, 2024 2:00 pm EDT
The Line: Michigan State Spartans -2.5; Over/Under: +145.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Illinois Fighting Illini will play the Michigan State Spartans in a Big Ten game on Saturday afternoon at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan. Illinois has won three games in a row, while Michigan State has won two of their last three. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Illinois vs Michigan State prediction.
Illinois Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini are 17-5 (8-3) this year after they defeated Nebraska in overtime by a score of 87-84 in their last game. Illinois trailed 36-34 at the half, but they were able to force overtime, where they scored 14 points for the win. The Fighting Illini shot 41.4% from the field and were +17 in rebounding margin in the game. Illinois defeated Ohio State by a score of 87-75 and Indiana by a score of 70-62 in the two games prior to Nebraska. The Fighting Illini are scoring 82.5 points per game with 43.2 rebounds per game and 13 assists per game, while allowing 69.6 points against per game this year. Terrence Shannon Jr. is averaging 20 points per game, 4.1 rebounds per game, and 2.5 assists per game. Illinois is shooting 46.1% from the field, 72.3% on free throws, and 33.9% on three pointers this season.
Michigan State Preview
The Michigan State Spartans are 14-9 (6-6) this season after they lost to Minnesota by a score of 59-56 in their last game. Michigan State led 32-27 at halftime, but they only scored 24 points in the second half in the loss. The Spartans shot 44.7% from the field and were -3 in rebounding margin in the game. Michigan State defeated Maryland by a score of 63-54 and Michigan by a score of 81-62 in the two games prior to Minnesota. The Spartans are scoring 74.5 points per game with 34.8 rebounds per game and 17.4 assists per game, while giving up 65 points against per game this season. Tyson Walker is averaging 19 points per game, 2.6 rebounds per game, and 3.0 assists per game. Michigan State is shooting 47.3% from the field, 68.8% on free throws, and 36.6% on three pointers this year.
Illinois vs Michigan State Betting Prediction
Illinois comes into this matchup on a three game winning streak and they are currently second in the Big Ten standings. The Fighting Illini are scoring 82.5 points per game, but they are only shooting 46.1% from the field. Michigan State has been very inconsistent this season, especially on the road, but they have been solid at home. The Spartans fell apart in the second half in their last game against Minnesota, but they need to bounce back here, as this is an opportunity for a huge win. I really don’t trust this Michigan State team at all, especially against a great opponent. Take Illinois on the road.
