The Illinois Fighting Illini (10-11, 0-8 Big 10) will try to put an end to their six-game losing streak when they meet the Indiana Hoosiers (12-8, 5-3 Big 10) at State Farm Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 24, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 143 points with Illinois set as a 1.5-point favorite.
Indiana Hoosiers at Illinois Fighting Illini Free Prediction
The Hoosiers come in on a high note after edging the Maryland Terrapins in their last outing, 71-68. Indiana’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Maryland. The Hoosiers had a rate of 16.0 (worse than their season average of 15.4), while the Terrapins posted a mark of 22.1 (above their season average of 18.6). With 25 points on 10-for-18 shooting, Juwan Morgan was the top scorer from either team.
In the Fighting Illini’s last game, they fell to the No. 9 Michigan State Spartans, 87-74. Michigan State made good use of their 28 trips to the charity stripe, making 23 of them (82.1 percent). Illinois, on the other hand, was 10-14 (71.4 percent). With 27 points on 9-for-14 shooting, Kipper Nichols was Illinois’ leading scorer.
This game should be a showdown of opposite styles. Illinois has preferred an up-tempo style of play (64th in possessions per game), while Indiana has been more half-court-oriented (268th in possessions per game).
Indiana holds records of 12-8 straight up (SU) and 10-8-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to set the total high when the Hoosiers are involved, as 11 of their 20 games have ended under the total.
Meanwhile, Illinois owns records of 10-11 SU and 8-9 ATS. Fighting Illini games also have typically finished under the total (64.7 percent).
Robert Johnson has averaged 18.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Indiana.
After the Hoosiers won the lone contest against the Fighting Illini last season, 96-80, these teams will battle for the first time this year. Indiana made 13 of its 25 three pointers (52.0 percent). Illinois, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (11.6 vs. 16.1).
Indiana Hoosiers at Illinois Fighting Illini Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Indiana, ATS Winner – Indiana, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Indiana is 2-4-1 ATS with 5 unders and 2 overs.
Illinois is 4-4 ATS at home with 4 overs and 4 unders.
Indiana ranks 33rd in blocks per game (4.8) while Illinois ranks 192nd (2.2).
The Fighting Illini rank 21st in three pointers allowed per game (18.1) while the Hoosiers rank 158th (22.4).
Illinois ranks 41st in steals per game (7.6) while Indiana ranks 118th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
The Fighting Illini rank 119th in assists per game (14.0) while the Hoosiers rank 137th in assists allowed per game (13.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Indiana is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Illinois is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Hoosiers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 1.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 70.6 points per game (6.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 81.8 points per game (9.0 above their season average).
