| MATCHUP | Illinois Fighting Illini | Tennessee Volunteers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 6-2 | 7-2 |
| Spread | +1.5 100 | -1.5 -120 |
| Moneyline | +120 | -142 |
| Total | Over 150.5 (-110) | Under 150.5 (-110) |
| Where | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN | |
| When | Saturday, December 6, 2025 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN | |
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini beat Grande Valley, lost to UCONN, and they play Ohio State next. Illinois has split its last 4 games.
The Illinois Fighting Illini are averaging 90.5 points on 48.1 percent shooting and allowing 70.3 points on 40.3 percent shooting. Kylan Boswell is averaging 17.3 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Andrej Stojakovic is averaging 16.3 points and 3.6 rebounds. David Mirkovic is the third double-digit scorer and Keaton Wagler is grabbing 5.3 rebounds. The Illinois Fighting Illini are shooting 32.5 percent from beyond the arc and 78.6 percent from the free throw line. The Illinois Fighting Illini are allowing 32.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.8 rebounds per game.
Tennessee Volunteers Betting Preview
The Tennessee Volunteers lost to Kansas and Syracuse, and they play Louisville next. Tennessee has lost two straight games.
The Tennessee Volunteers are averaging 83 points on 48 percent shooting and allowing 65 points on 37.4 percent shooting. Ja’Kobi Gillespie is averaging 17.6 points and 2.4 rebounds, while Nate Ament is averaging 17.1 points and 2.9 assists. JP Estrella is the third double-digit scorer and Jaylen Carey is grabbing 6.3 rebounds. The Tennessee Volunteers are shooting 35.1 percent from beyond the arc and 75.3 percent from the free throw line. The Tennessee Volunteers are allowing 28.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.2 rebounds per game.
Why the Tennessee Volunteers will win
- Tennessee has won 22 of its last 23 night games against non-Conference opponents.
- Illinois has lost each of its last five games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Illinois has lost the first half in four of its last five night games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
- Illinois has won each of its last five games when playing with a rest advantage.
- Tennessee has lost the first half in four of its last five games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Total Points Facts
- Twenty-six of Tennessee’s last 28 games against non-Conference opponents at neutral venues have produced a total of 149 or fewer points.
- Each of Illinois’ last six night games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 153+ points.
Illinois vs Tennessee Prediction
This is pretty much a home game for Tennessee, and I expect a motivated group after a bad loss to Syracuse. Illinois has struggled in its two biggest games of the season, and that defensive effort can come and go. Tennessee has the edge in defensive pressure, and this team is too talented to lose three straight games. This feels like a spot where the Vols flex their muscle and remind us what they’re capable of. The line is soft. Give me Tennessee in a marquee matchup Saturday night.