Illinois (6-2) vs Wisconsin (8-2)
December 10, 2024 at 09:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Illinois -6.5 / Wisconsin +6.5 — Over/Under: 154.5
The Wisconsin Badgers are visiting the Illinois Fighting Illini on Tuesday, December 10th at the State Farm Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Wisconsin Badgers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction.
Illinois Fighting Illini Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini have a 6-2 record this season and are coming off a 66-70 loss to Northwestern. The Fighting Illini are 5-3 against the spread, and 3-5 in over/under while having a 5-0 home record. Illinois is 3-1 in their last 4 games and 3-1 to the under.
Offensively, Illinois is averaging 86.3 points per game, which ranks 13th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 62.5 points per game (22nd). The Fighting Illini shoot 44.7% from the field (199th) and 33.9% from beyond the arc (173rd). The Fighting Illini shoot 69.8% from the free-throw line (225th) and are grabbing 47.4 rebounds per game, which is the best in the nation.
Tomislav Ivisic leads Illinois in scoring this season, with an average of 16.1 points and a team-high 9.3 rebounds, while Will Riley adds 15 points and 4.4 rebounds. Illinois will face Tennessee after this game.
Wisconsin Badgers Preview
The Wisconsin Badgers have an 8-2 record this season and are coming off a 74-88 loss in Marquette. The Badgers are 4-5-1 against the spread, and 8-2 in over/under, while having a 0-1 road record. Wisconsin has back-to-back losses are 0-3 against the spread in their last 3 games.
Offensively, Wisconsin is averaging 82 points per game, which ranks 60th in the nation. Defensively, they are allowing 70.9 points per game (179th). The Badgers shoot 45.4% from the field (168th) and 34.7% from beyond the arc (139th). The Badgers shoot 85.5% from the free throw line, which is the best in the nation, and are grabbing 35.9 rebounds per game (220th).
John Tonje leads Wisconsin in scoring this season, with an average of 21.5 points and 5.1 rebounds, while John Blackwell adds 15.2 points and 4.7 rebounds. Wisconsin will play against Butler following this one.
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
- Illinois has won each of its last eight games against Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin has lost four of its last five road night games against the Big Ten Conference.
- Illinois has won the first half in each of its last nine games at State Farm Center.
Why the Wisconsin Badgers will win
- Wisconsin has won seven of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Illinois has lost four of its last five games after coming off overtime.
- Wisconsin has won the first half in eight of its last 10 night games against the Big Ten Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the last 10 night games between Wisconsin and Illinois has produced a total of 147 or fewer points.
- Each of Wisconsin’s last nine night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 152 or fewer points.
Wisconsin Badgers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction
Illinois has won their last 8 meetings against Wisconsin, and are 9-0 against the spread in their last 9 meetings. In their most recent meeting back in March, the Fighting Illini won 93-87 at home. Over is 5-1 in their last 6 meetings. In this Wisconsin Badgers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction, Illinois is coming as a -6.5 home favorites. Illinois is better both offensively, scoring 4.3 points more than Wisconsin, and defensively, allowing 8.4 points less. The Fighting Illini are winning by an average of 23.8 points per game and have been undefeated at home. The value here lies with the home team, so pick the Illinois Fighting Illini to win and cover at home.