Illinois basketball betting odds, predictions, and game info against Northwestern

Dec 6, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) celebrates with teammates during overtime against the Texas Longhorns at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) celebrates with teammates during overtime against the Texas Longhorns at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois basketball is looking to keep their winning ways alive on Wednesday against a pesky Northwestern bunch.

The Illini were able to get back on the winning track against Bethune-Cookman last week, and we were able to notch a win as well. Illinois was able to cover the 30.5-point spread but failed to hit the over on the over/under.

This brings our record for the year to 2-2 moneyline, 2-3 spread, and 2-3 over/under.

Here are the Illinois basketball betting odds, predictions, and game info against Northwestern.

Odds

Illinois basketball vs. Northwestern – Moneyline

There are actually moneyline odds this week, unlike the game against Bethune-Cookman. Illinois is starting the day out as the favorites, going off at -165. Northwestern is at +140 on the moneyline.

Advice

I think this is going to be a confidence-builder game for the Illini.  Northwestern isn’t exactly a great team despite their good record of 10-3. They are coming off a 16-point loss to Ohio State at home as well.

The Wildcats are statistically one of the worst teams in the country offensively. Illinois also has a solid defense that can suffocate teams. I think we keep Sencire Harris in the starting lineup, which would give Northwestern all sorts of trouble.

Illinois just has to show some competence offensively to win this game. Northwestern is shooting 38.4% from the field this season. That ranks No. 349 out of 363 DI programs. I think Illinois wins this game outright.

Prediction – Illinois -165

Illinois basketball vs. Northwestern – Spread

Las Vegas doesn’t think Illinois can run away with a win against the Wildcats. They have the spread set at Illinois -3.5 right now.

Advice

I think the biggest thing that determines whether or not Illinois struggles is the three-point arc. This has been a point of contention many times this season.

When the Illini play a team that shoots 36% or better for the season from three-point range, then we are 1-3. When we play a team that averages worse than 36% from three-point range, then we are 8-1.

Illinois is taking on a Northwestern program that doesn’t shoot the three-point shot well. In fact, they are only averaging 30.9% from deep this season, which ranks No. 283 in the country.

With the Wildcats’ bad three-point shooting, I think Illinois is going to be able to pounce. This is a chance for the Orang and Blue to not only win, but I believe we can end this game with a double-digit victory. I think you can take Illinois -3.5 and pound it hard.

Prediction – Illinois -3.5

Illinois basketball vs. Northwestern – Over/Under

This has to be one of the lowest over/under’s I have seen this season. Illinois vs. Northwestern over/under is set at 132.5 points.

Advice

There are a few factors I am looking at in the over/under. One of them is the fact Northwestern is not good at scoring the basketball.

As mentioned above, the Wildcats are only shooting 38.4% from the field and 30.9% from three-point range. Those rank No. 349 and No. 283 in the nation, respectively. Those numbers alone make me want to take the under.

Another number I want to look at is Northwestern slowing down the game. The Wildcats are averaging 69.6 possessions per game, which ranks No. 224 in the country. They like to control the clock and play at their own pace, which is slow.

Lastly, Illinois hasn’t been playing the best brand of basketball on the offensive end of the court. When we get into a halfcourt game, we aren’t nearly as effective as we are on the break.

With all of that taken into account, I think this game lands under. It could end up being a bit of an ugly game. I think the score could land around something like 68-54 in favor of Illinois.

Prediction – Under 132.5 points

Illinois basketball vs. Northwestern – Game Info

Date & Time: January 4 – 8:00 p.m. CT

TV: Big Ten Network

Streaming: Fubo TV