Duke vs Illinois Prediction 2/22/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate an Illinois vs Duke Prediction for this college basketball game on Saturday,  February 22nd, at the Madison Square Garden. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:

-The Fighting Illini’s recent form and recent player performance 

-The Blue Devils’ recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Illinois

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Duke

-Recent betting trends in games played between Illinois and Duke

-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Fighting Illini and Blue Devils. 

Who Can Slowdown Duke’s Cooper Flagg?

Duke keeps winning games, and it’s because Cooper Flagg can’t be stopped. Duke’s last game came against the Virginia Cavaliers, and they scored 80 points on the way to the victory. Duke shot 52.5 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from behind the three-point line. Flagg is a mismatch, as he put up 17 points, 14 rebounds, and two assists. Kon Knueppel also scored 17 points, seven rebounds, and one assist. Guard Tyrese Proctor didn’t have the best game and finished with seven points. 

Not only has Duke Been winning games, but they have also been covering spreads. The Blue Devils have a 23-3 record overall, and they have gone 16-10 against the spread. Duke sits with an 8-1 record away from home. The offense gets the headline for Duke, but the defense might actually be better, giving up only 60.8 points per game, which is 8th in the league. Flagg is averaging 19.7 points while shooting 48.6 percent from the field. The only downfall of the last game from Flagg was his shooting from deep, going 0-3. 

Illinois…What is Happening?

Illinois had won two games in a row, but the last two games haven’t been as good. Two games ago against Michigan State, they lost 79-65 at home, and in the last game against Wisconsin, the defense gave up 95 points. Illinois shot 43.3 percent from the field while allowing Wisconsin to shoot 52.3 percent from the field. In the second half, they outscored 48-33, and playing a more complete game is going to be key. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn was one of the bright spots; he put up 17 points, five assists, and four rebounds.

Illinois has some big wins, but at times, they have really laid some eggs, especially with the defense. They are averaging 83.9 points, but the defense is giving up 72.4 points per game. The job isn’t going to get any easier, but they can’t be trying to get into a shootout here. Illinois isn’t going to be winning an 88-86 type of shootout. The defense must make this game lower-scoring to come out on top. Kasparas Jakucionis is only a freshman, but he’s a team leader, averaging 15.6 points while shooting 46.9 percent from the field. 

Why Illinois Will Cover Against Duke

• Illinois has won 27 of its last 31 night games against non-conference opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• Illinois ranks 6th among Division 1 teams for rebound percentage this season (56.4%).
• Illinois ranks 358th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (4.5).
• Duke ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (93.3).
• Duke ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for net rating this season (+30.9).

Illinois vs Duke Prediction 

Is Illinois going to win a shootout? No, they aren’t, but they will keep it close. The only real concern with this team is with the defense, but they have proven they can run the score. Jakucionius has been hearing all the talk about Flagg and will want to make a statement here. Is it going to be enough for the Fighting Illini to win? No, it’s not, but this is way too many points. This will probably be a pro-Duke crowd, but Illinois can keep this within six points. Back Illinois against the spread. There will also be very little defense played by either team, and the over will cash.