Michigan State Spartans vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction – Jan 11, 2024
The Big Ten Conference is once again one of the best leagues in the country, and there are some loaded teams throughout the league. Two of those teams are set to match up on Thursday night as the Michigan State Spartans will be visiting the Illinois Fighting Illini.
It has been a disappointing season for Michigan State up to this point, but there is still plenty of time for this team to turn things around. The Spartans are sitting at 9-6 on the year and they just suffered a loss to Northwestern in their most recent game.
Illinois has gotten to a great start this season as they are currently ranked number 10 in the country with an 11-3 record. The Fighting Illini are currently sitting at 2-1 in conference play, but suffered a loss to Purdue in their most recent game.
The Fighting Illini are 3.5-point betting favorites at home against the Spartans from Michigan State.
Spartans Can Score
The season numbers show that Michigan is scoring 78 points per game this season, but they have been scoring the ball much better than that of late. Michigan State had scored at least 79 points in four straight games prior to their most recent loss.
Guard Tyson Walker is leading the way with 20.6 points per game, and he continues to be one of the best players in the Big Ten Conference. The Spartans don’t always shoot the ball well from the perimeter, and that will be something to watch in this game.
Michigan State is allowing just 65 points per game this season, but they are going to struggle to deal with the athletes from Illinois.
Fighting Illini Want to Defend
Illinois is now allowing 66.8 points per game this season, but the other metrics show just how good this defense can be. The Fighting Illini have a ton of size and length at every position and they make it hard on their opponents.
This team is always looking to be on the attack, and that is true when looking at them on both ends of the floor. Illinois is averaging 83.5 points per game this season, but the offense did just take a big blow.
The Fighting Illini are now playing without Terrence Shannon Jr. and he was scoring 21.7 points per game before his suspension. Illinois still has plenty of weapons, and they are always searching for good shots.
Illinois Wins Big at Home
The Fighting Illini might be playing without their best player, but they have already proven that they know how to win without him. Michigan State can really score the basketball, but they are facing one of the best teams in the country.
Illinois is not going to allow Michigan State to get into the paint in this game, and the Spartans are going to struggle to make shots from the perimeter. The Fighting Illini are going to use home court advantage in this game as they roll to a double-digit win.
Bet the Fighting Illini -3.5 as they pick up another Big Ten Conference win over the Michigan State Spartans.
