Michigan State at Illinois odds, picks and predictions
The No. 11 Michigan State Spartans (19-5, 10-3 Big Ten) visit the Illinois Fighting Illini (17-8, 9-6) Saturday at State Farm Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (FOX). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's college basketball odds around the Michigan State vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.
The Spartans suffered a 71-67 loss at home to Indiana Tuesday, losing outright as an 11.5-point favorite as the Under (148.5) cashed. Sparty has dropped 3 of the past 4 games, while going 1-2-1 against the spread (ATS) in the span. The Under has cashed in 4 of the past 5 games.
For the Fighting Illini, they've won 2 in a row, and 3 of the past 4 games, while going just 3-5 ATS in the previous 8 contests. The Over is 3-1 in the past 4 games, and 11-4 across the past 15 outings.
These teams met Jan. 19 in East Lansing, with the Spartans picking up an 80-78 win as a 1-point favorite as the Under (160) just came in. Illinois saw star Kasparas Jakucionis foul out while playing just 9 minutes, finishing with 3 points, 0 rebounds and 3 assists before getting the quick shower.
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Michigan State at Illinois odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:35 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML) : Michigan State +225 (bet $100 to win $225) | Illinois -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
: Michigan State +225 (bet $100 to win $225) | Illinois -275 (bet $275 to win $100) Against the spread : Michigan State +6.5 (-110) | Illinois -6.5 (-110)
: Michigan State +6.5 (-110) | Illinois -6.5 (-110) Over/Under (O/U): 158.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Michigan State at Illinois picks and predictions
Prediction
Illinois 79, Michigan State 75
Illinois (-275) will cost you nearly 3 times your potential return, which is just a little too expensive. The Illini has rebounded with a pair of decent wins over Minnesota and UCLA after a bit of a skid from Jan. 19-Feb. 5. That skid started with a loss at Breslin Center against Michigan State (+225).
While Sparty is down, it is not yet out. This is a team with a ton of top-10 talent. It wouldn't be shocking to see Michigan State win outright.
PASS.
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BACK MICHIGAN STATE +6.5 (-110) catching more than 3 buckets.
While Sparty is just 3-4-1 ATS in the past 8 games, it is 2-0-1 ATS in the past 3 games as an underdog since Nov. 27, while winning 2 of those contests outright.
Illinois -6.5 (-110) is just 3-5 ATS in the past 8 outings, and as a favorite of 6.5 or fewer points, it is just 2-6 ATS in the most 8 recent instances.
UNDER 158.5 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.
While the Over has connected in 3 of the past 4 games for Illinois, and the Over is 5-0 in the past 5 at home, the total went low in the first meeting with Michigan State.
And, for the Spartans, the total is on a 4-1 run in the past 5 games, while going 3-1 in the past 4 true road contests. The Under has hit in 9 of the past 13 outings, too.
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Wisconsin Badgers 2024 ranking: 9 There is a bit of a change in the Big Ten helmet rankings for 2025, and the first culprit is Wisconsin. Wisconsin takes a slight step back in this year's rankings, and perhaps it is time to admit that Wisconsin's look may be in need of a revision. Wisconsin's flying "W" is iconic and unique, but is it time to give it a fresh update? Is there anything that can be done to breathe new life into the Badgers with their look and performance on the field in 2025? For more Wisconsin news, analysis, and opinions, visit Badgers Wire. 2024 ranking: 8 Iowa still has one of the best logos, and their Pittsburgh Steelers color combo still manages to work for the progam in 2025. Iowa does take a step down in this year's updated Big Ten helmet power rankings but only because the next two schools are deserving of moving up. For more Iowa news, analysis, and opinions, visit Hawkeyes Wire. 9. Maryland Terrapins 2024 ranking: 11 The first school moving up and into the top 10 this year is Maryland. The Maryland helmets and uniforms have been scrutinized for years, going back to the introduction of the state pride uniform and helmet combo, but the Terrapins have evolved and found a classic look that fits in well in their Big Ten surroundings. The "Terps" on the side of the helmet is perfect for the program and works best on the red helmet. But Maryland's white alternate helmet with red "Terps" looks great too. Just stay away from the black look, Maryland. 8. Washington Huskies 2024 ranking: 10 Also moving up this year is second-year Big Ten member Washington. I really liked Washignton's helmet look coming into the conference and my fondness has grown a bit one year on. Washington's gold helmet is the best look for the Huskies, although they have experimented with a couple of alternate looks like others on this list too. But when Washington sticks to the basics, it works best. For more Washington news, analysis, and opinions, visit Huskies Wire. 7. UCLA Bruins 2024 ranking: 7 UCLA basically does everything Washignton does with their gold helmets, but the UCLA script looks better. UCLA doesn't need to do much to their helmet to make it look great, and straying away from this classic look is ill-advised for the Bruins. For more UCLA news, analysis, and opinions, visit Bruins Wire. 6. Michigan State Spartans 2024 ranking: 6 Some may say Michigan State should consider replacing the logo on the helmet in favor of something else. To that I say, are you nuts? Michigan State's Sparty logo on the side looks great, no matter if it is a white logo on a green helmet or vice versa. Both look solid for the Spartans. For more Michigan State news, analysis, and opinions, visit Spartans Wire. 5. Oregon Ducks 2024 ranking: 5 Oregon made a big splash in its first season in the Big Ten in 2024, running through the conference to a Big Ten championship and the top seed in the College Football Playoff. And of course, they did so in their signature modern look. Choosing one Oregon helmet is impossible because the Ducks make multiple options look great. The variety is a detriment for some programs, but not for Oregon. No matter which dome they choose, it's going to look great. But the top spots in the Big Ten remain reserved for some of the more classic and iconic looks. For more Oregon news, analysis, and opinions, visit Ducks Wire. 4. USC Trojans 2024 ranking: 4 USC's first season in the Big Ten may not have gone according to plan, but at least they looked good. The classic look of the Trojans stands the test of time and there is a reason you do not see the Trojans mess with their look. The classic golden yellow trojan logo still looks iconic on the side of the Cardinal-colored helmet. There is nothing USC should ever do to this look. For more USC news, analysis, and opinions, visit Trojans Wire. 3. Ohio State Buckeyes 2024 ranking: 3 Ohio State may have been the kings of the college football world in the 2024 season, but their helmets still managed to only crack the top three in the Big Ten in 2025. There is no mistaking the Ohio State helmet with its simple gray helmet and scarlet striping, complete with Buckeye stickers for players making notable plays. Ohio State's look is a simple and straightforward take, and it works very well. This is why it is frustrating when the program opts for an alternate look, because the traditional helmet needs no substitute. For more Ohio State news, analysis, and opinions, visit Buckeyes Wire. 2. Michigan Wolverines 2024 ranking: 2 Just as they have on the field in recent years, Michigan gets the upper hand on Ohio State in this year's Big Ten helmet rankings. The signature winged helmet pattern remains as iconic as ever for the Wolverines, and the look still manages to command respect whenever it makes an appearance on the field. For more Michigan news, analysis, and opinions, visit Wolverines Wire. 1. Penn State Nittany Lions 2024 ranking: 1 You knew this one was coming. How could you not? Penn State's simple white helmet and blue stripe is as perfectly minimalistic as they come, and has proven to stand the test of time from generation to generation. Why mess with absolute perfection? Yes, Penn State does modify this look for the generations of greatness look typically seen around homecoming, but even that manages to look great. Penn State doesn't need to dazzle you with its helmet, and that remains the truth in 2025. Follow Kevin McGuire on Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X, Facebook, and Threads.
