Illinois vs. Tennessee Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, Latest Odds
The Tennessee Volunteers will host the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday afternoon in Knoxville. Can Dalton Knecht and the Vols get off to a hot start at home in this non-conference showdown? Matt McCuen provides his first half pick against the spread in Illinois vs. Tennessee.
Matt McCuen - December 9, 2023, 8:00 AM EST
5 minIllinois vs. Tennessee Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, Latest Odds
The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Tennessee Volunteers will clash from Rocky Top on Saturday afternoon.
Illinois vs. Tennessee Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: December 8, 2023
- Game Time: 8:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Illinois vs. Tennessee Odds
- Spread: Illinois +6 (-103), Tennessee -6 (-110)
- Total Odds: O 145.5 (-110), U 145.5 (-108)
- Moneyline Odds: Illinois (+240), Tennessee (-285)
Illinois vs. Tennessee Prediction
Illinois has an impressive 7-1 record this season, earning them the 20th spot in the national ranking.
They are coming off a notable victory over the 11th-ranked Florida Atlantic, scoring a season-high 98 points in the win.
Illinois is expected to finish toward the top of the Big Ten.
Texas tech transfer Terrence Shannon Jr. is the star player, who has an average of 21.6 points per game.
Marcus Domask has also had a strong start, averaging 12.1 points and five rebounds.
Junior Luke Good is a big threat from beyond the arc, averaging 11 points per game.
The team has an average of 80.1 points per game.
On the other hand, Tennessee has a record of 5-3, earning them the 17th spot in the national ranking.
Despite having three losses, they are considered the best three-loss team in college basketball.
They have had a tough schedule, with their losses coming from North Carolina, Kansas, and Purdue, all of which are ranked in the top 10.
Head coach Rick Barnes believes that this is a championship-caliber team.
Their top scorer is Colorado native Dalton Knecht, who puts up an average of 19 points per game.
Senior Josiah-Jordan James has also been contributing greatly, with an average of 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds.
USC upstate transfer Jordan Gainey has also fit into his role nicely, averaging 11 points per game. Additionally, the Vols have one of the best defenses in the nation.
Illinois vs. Tennessee Pick
Tennessee is in a great spot at home on Saturday.
As mentioned, the Vols have played an extremely difficult schedule and are better than their 5-3 record indicates.
Their style of play will give Illinois trouble early in this game.
The Vols will jump out to an early lead and cover this first-half number with ease.
Pick: Tennessee 1H -3 -110 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
College Basketball Odds
