The Illinois Fighting Illini welcome in the Michigan Wolverines tonight in Big Ten College Basketball action. The game is scheduled for a 9:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the Betting Odds for the game have the Fighting Illini favored at home to get the win.
Illinois lost to Michigan back in late December in overtime, back when Michigan was a healthy team and looking to make a mark in the Big Ten. Now the Wolverines are a legitimate MASH unit, playing with walk-ons, freshman and considerably young players that aren't cut out for starting in Big Ten play. But for the future, the young Wolverines learning on the fly is only going to help the program.
John Beilein knew it wasn't going to be easy as his entire starting five from two seasons ago is now in the NBA. But after losing Caris LeVert and Derrick Walton Jr. to injury this season the Wolverines have been free-falling, dropping their last three games overall and four of their last five. Michigan had chances to beat both Wisconsin and Michigan State without LeVert but lost both games, and now really have no shot to make the NCAA Tournament save for winning the conference tournament at the end of the season.
Illinois has been finding a way to get things done, playing without Rayvonte Rice, the team's leading scorer. Rice had been hurt but also was suspended with teammate Aaron Cosby by the program with the potential for both of them coming off suspension tonight. That doesn't mean they'll play, but Illinois has a really good shot at making the NCAA Tournament with them returning.
Malcolm Hill and Kendrick Nunn have both played well for Illinois, stepping up for their teammates. The Fighting Illini have won three straight overall and just recently beat Michigan State on the road. The only way Illinois loses this game tonight is if they are looking ahead to playing at Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon.
Michigan is banged up, but still fighting. They just don't have the horses to get it done, especially on the road against an Illinois team that is fighting for the NCAA Tournament.
Free Pick: Illinois 70, Michigan 60
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