The Illinois Fighting Illini (13-4) make the trip to East Lansing to take on Michigan State (15-2) in a delicious Big Ten battle. The Spartans rule the Big Ten at the moment with a perfect 6-0 record. And speaking of perfect, Tom Izzo's kids have a gorgeous 9-0 mark at home inside the Breslin Center.
Illinois vs Michigan State Odds Today
Matchup Page: Illinois vs Michigan State, 12:00 PM ET
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Fighting Illini | +3.5 (-118) | +132 | O153.5 (-115) |
| Michigan State Spartans | -3.5 (-104) | -160 | U153.5 (-105) |
Odds as of January 18 at Sportsbook
Illinois vs Michigan State Picks Today
Michigan State -3.5 (-104) at Sportsbook
It has been a few minutes since Tom Izzo had a team that could make some really loud noise on the hardwood. Back in 2018-19, Michigan State posted a 32-7 record and made it all the way to the Final Four before losing to Texas Tech, 61-51. But it looks like Izzo is ready to go deep into March Madness with a team that has ripped off 10 straight wins. Sparty played Penn State on Wednesday night and scratched out a 90-85 win.
Apparently, they were not hitting on all cylinders with Illinois coming to town. In the handicapping biz, we call that LOOK-AHEAD! The Spartans were crushing their competition at home coming into the Penn State game. They beat Nebraska by 37 points (89-52), Oakland by 19 points (77-58), Florida Atlantic by 17 points (86-69), Western Michigan by 18 points (80-62) and Washington by 34 points (88-54). Even with the five point win over the Nittany Lions, the average margin of victory at home is 21 points. TWENTY ONE!
On the other bench, Brad Underwood brings the Illini in with a solid 13-4 record and while he does not have 30 years of coaching under his belt, the guy can X & O. He was RIDONKULOUS for three years at Stephen F. Austin, posting an 89-14 record, okay in one season at Oklahoma State with a 20-13 record and solid as a rock in eight years in Champaign, going 155-91. The Illini have won six of their last seven with the only loss coming at home against USC, 82-72.
Of course, you need a look back at last season's games between these two. The first game was at Illinois, the Illini were favored by 3 points and posted a 71-68 victory which was a push. The Over/Under total was listed at 150 and went low. In the rematch at Michigan State, the Spartans were a 4 point favorite and picked up a win and cover with an 88-80 W. The Over/Under total was listed at 145 and went way high.
As usual, Izzo is playing his full complement of 10 players and getting great production off the bench. In the last game against Penn State, the bench played a total of 92 minutes and put 45 points into the net. Compare that to the Fighting Illini's players who were able to manage just 22 points off the bench in their last game against Indiana. TOO much Izzo + TOO much depth = a sweet deposit into the Bank of Ecks!
Illinois vs Michigan State Betting Trends
Illinois has gone OVER in five of its last six games with one push
Michigan State has covered eight of its last 10
Michigan State is working on a 10-0 straight up PERFECTO
