Illinois (18-11) at Michigan (22-6)
- When: Mar 2 2025, 3:45 PM
- Where: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Where to watch: CBS
Michigan vs. Illinois Betting Preview & Predictions
Michigan is favored by 3.0 | Total: 161.5
Michigan Wolverines
The No. 15 Wolverines continue their push for a Big Ten title, proving their ability to thrive in close contests. Michigan has been battle-tested all season, boasting an 11-1 record in conference games decided by four points or fewer. That resilience was on full display Thursday night when Nimari Burnett drilled a buzzer-beating three-pointer to edge Rutgers 84-82 at home.
Michigan’s strength lies in its dominant frontcourt tandem of Danny Wolf (12.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG) and Vladislav Goldin (15.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG)—a pair of versatile 7-footers who create mismatches on both ends of the court. Their inside presence has helped Michigan control the paint, but turnovers remain a concern. The Wolverines lead the Big Ten in giveaways, averaging 14.4 per game, which could be a factor against an Illinois team looking to capitalize on transition opportunities.
Another concern for Michigan is depth. Guards Rubin Jones (illness) and Sam Walters (back) have missed the last two games, and their availability remains uncertain. If they remain sidelined, it puts more pressure on the Wolverines’ thin backcourt rotation to step up.
Despite those concerns, Michigan has been strong at home and continues to find ways to win close games. With the Big Ten title in their sights, expect the Wolverines to come out aggressive and lean on their bigs to take advantage of Illinois’ inconsistent defense.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois snapped a three-game skid with a convincing 81-61 victory over Iowa, a much-needed win after a humbling 43-point loss to Duke the week prior. That game forced head coach Brad Underwood to make some defensive and lineup adjustments, and the early returns looked promising against Iowa.
Big man Tomislav Ivisic (12.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG) played his best game in weeks, tallying 22 points, five assists, and four rebounds while showing no lingering effects from the illness that had slowed him. He’ll need another strong outing to help contain Michigan’s dominant frontcourt duo of Wolf and Goldin.
Illinois is led by Kasparas Jakucionis (15.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG), a projected NBA lottery pick who can take over games with his scoring ability. Will Riley (11.8 PPG) adds another scoring threat, but Illinois’ offensive consistency has been shaky at times.
While the Fighting Illini are out of the Big Ten title race, they still have plenty to play for. A win over Michigan would add another Quad 1 victory to their NCAA Tournament résumé, and they have an outside shot at earning a top-four seed in the Big Ten Tournament, which would give them a double bye. Expect Illinois to come in motivated and looking to spoil Michigan’s championship aspirations.
Betting Prediction & Props to Watch
Spread Pick: Michigan -3.0 – The Wolverines have been nearly unbeatable in close games this season, and their frontcourt dominance should be the difference at home.
Over/Under: Over 161.5 – Both teams have capable scorers, and Michigan’s defensive lapses have led to high-scoring affairs.
Player Prop Predictions:
Danny Wolf Over 9.5 Rebounds – The Michigan big man has been a force on the boards and should have a strong outing against Illinois’ interior defense.
Kasparas Jakucionis Over 18.5 Points – The Illinois guard will likely be aggressive as he looks to boost his draft stock.
Tomislav Ivisic Over 1.5 Three-Pointers – He’s capable of stretching the floor and could be a key piece in Illinois’ offensive attack.
Final Score Prediction:
Michigan 85, Illinois 79 – Expect Michigan to grind out another hard-fought win and continue its march toward a Big Ten championship.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
