A seven-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Wisconsin Badgers (9-5, 2-1 Big 10) when they welcome the Illinois Fighting Illini (10-5, 2-2 Big 10) to Kohl Center. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 8, 2020.
Illinois Fighting Illini at Wisconsin Badgers ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Badgers beat the fifth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 61-57, while the Fighting Illini had no trouble getting past the Purdue Boilermakers 63-37.
Illinois played a nearly perfect game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.518 (above their season average of 0.515) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.4 (below their season average of 39.5). For those same stats, Purdue was 0.275 and 27.7, respectively. The Badgers, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 13.7 (better than their season average of 15.5) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 25.7). Nate Reuvers led the way for Wisconsin, finishing with 17 points and nine rebounds. Illinois, meanwhile, was lifted by Alan Griffin, who recorded 16 points and 12 rebounds.
The Badgers dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent game, Wisconsin won 64-58. Wisconsin’s 0.273 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Illinois, who had a mark of 0.179. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
There’s a decent chance that Illinois struggles to create turnovers. Wisconsin ranks 59th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.4 percent), while Illinois forces the 192nd-most turnovers (19.7 percent). Moreover, the Fighting Illini, who rank third in offensive rebounding percentage (39.3 percent), will face a tough challenge against the Badgers, who rank 42nd in defensive rebounding percentage (76.2 percent).
Illinois vs. Wisconsin ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Wisconsin, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Illinois ranks ninth in rebounds per game (42.0) while Wisconsin ranks 202nd (34.4).
- The Badgers rank 34th in assists allowed per game (10.4) while the Fighting Illini rank 91st (11.8).
- Wisconsin ranks 43rd in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Illinois ranks 61st (2.9).
- The Badgers rank 79th in three pointers attempted per game (24.3) while the Fighting Illini rank 249th (18.0).
- Wisconsin ranks 39th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Illinois ranks 134th (6.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Badgers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.8, up from 8.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 67.8 points per game (9.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.0 points per game (5.9 below their season average).
