Michigan heads to Illinois to battle the overmatched Illini in what many believe should be yet another rousing Wolverines’ victory. But, 4-11 Illinois knows they’re a major underdog and that Michigan might overlook them. Will the Illini do enough to keep this game within the number?
Michigan vs Illinois NCAAB Odds & Game Prediction
The Wolverines look to tie their best start in program history as they take on the Fighting Illini.
Watch @umichbball vs. @IlliniMBB, TONIGHT at 8pm ET on FS1 and the FOX Sports App. pic.twitter.com/jY8m4VYGgn — FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 10, 2019
- When: Thursday, Jan. 10 at 8:00 pm ET
- Where: State Farm Center, Champaign, IL
- TV: FS1
- Radio: Michigan / Illinois
- Live Stream: FoxSportsGo
- ATS Odds: Michigan -9 (-110)
- Over/Under Total Odds: 136 (-110)
Why Michigan Wolverines are a good bet –9?
The Wolverines are 15-0 for a reason. They are one of the top teams in the nation in the difference between how many points they average and how many points they allow.
Although Michigan is undefeated, they haven’t been great against the spread. Covering in their last two is a sign they’re turning that around, though. Illinois should have no shot of keeping this close.
Team Statistics
Offense:- Points/G: 72.9
- Field Goal %: 46.8
- 3-Point %: 37
- Free Throw %: 65.9
- Rebounds/G: 36.5
- Points/G: 55.6
- Field Goal %: 38.9
- 3-Point %: 30
- Free Throw %: 64.1
- Rebounds/G: 29.5
Why Illinois Illini are a good bet +9?
The Illini take a 4-game losing streak into their battle with the Wolverines on Thursday night. On paper, that looks terrible. But, Illinois has played much better in their last couple of games, both road losses.
In a 65-73 loss to Indiana, the Illini covered as a +11 dog. In a 66-68 loss to Northwestern, they covered as +8 dog. Illinois might not win on Thursday. But, they could make it uncomfortably close for Michigan fans.
Team Statistics
Offense:- Points/G: 73.4
- Field Goal %: 42.4
- 3-Point %: 34.5
- Free Throw %: 68.7
- Rebounds/G: 34.1
- Points/G: 74.4
- Field Goal %: 46.1
- 3-Point %: 33.9
- Free Throw %: 71.8
- Rebounds/G: 33.5
NCAAB Basketball Betting Trends for #4 Michigan Wolverines at Illinois Illini
- Michigan is 2-5 ATS in the last 7 games
- Michigan is 5-0 SU in the last 5 games
- The total went UNDER in 4 of Michigan’s last 5 games
- Illinois is 4-8 ATS in the last 12 games
- Illinois is 1-4 SU in the last 5 games
- The total went UNDER in 4 of Illinois’s last 5 games
Michigan vs Illinois Final NCAAB Betting Analysis
Although most feel the Wolverines easily cover the spread, even the trends point to that happening, this will only be Michigan’s third real road game. The Wolverines demolished Villanova on the road way back in November. They beat Northwestern by 2 points in their other road game.
Michigan’s not road tested and Illinois will fight hard. The Illini won’t pull out the win. However, there’s a chance they keep this much closer than 9 points. Taking the points on the home team.
NCAAB Betting Pick: Illinois Illini +9