Illinois vs. Northwestern Prediction: Can Wildcats Stun Terrence Shannon Jr., Fighting Illini?
The Northwestern Wildcats are set to host the Illinois Fighting Illini on Wednesday night. Can the Wildcats get revenge for the previous blowout and shut down Terrence Shannon Jr. and the Illini? Krabs provides his pick against the spread in Illinois vs. Northwestern.
Krabs - January 24, 2024, 4:35 PM EST
5 minIllinois vs. Northwestern Prediction: Can Wildcats Stun Terrence Shannon Jr., Fighting Illini?
When these two teams played against each other a few weeks ago, Illinois got the better of Northwestern by 30 points. Since that loss, Northwestern hasn’t played much better, but they are only getting a handful of points on the spread tonight. Will the Wildcats shock the world with a much-needed need on their home floor, or will Illinois beat them for the second time this year?
Illinois vs. Northwestern Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: January 24, 2024
- Game Time: 9:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: FS1
Illinois vs. Northwestern Odds
- Spread: Illinois -3 (-110), Northwestern +3 (-110)
- Total Odds: O 146.5 (-105), U 146.5 (-106)
- Moneyline Odds: Illinois (-150), Northwestern (+130)
Illinois vs. Northwestern Prediction
I love backing home teams playing a conference opponent for the second time this season, especially when they lost in the first matchup. Northwestern just got spanked by this same Illinois team laying -7.5 points at home, and the spread tonight is only +3.5? Something seems fishy about this line…
Boo Buie is coming off one of his worst games of the season against Nebraska. He dropped 20 points against Illinois a few weeks ago, and has a great opportunity to bounce back after a 9 point performance in his most recent game. I’m willing to bet he bounces back in a big way tonight, keeping this game close until the final whistle.
Terrence Shannon Jr. returned to the rotation in Illinois’ most recent victory against Rutgers. That was a home game. This will be his first road game since getting reinstated to the team. I would be surprised if the Northwestern home crowd doesn’t rattle Shannon Jr. in his first road game since sitting out for over a month due to a pending investigation. He might’ve put up 16 points in his return, but he went 0-5 from three. I’m fully expecting Shannon Jr. to continue to shake the rust off as his minutes continue to tick back up, but that doesn’t mean the results will be there.
More than 80% of the bets and handle are currently backing Illinois to win this game, but the spread continues to shrink. This reverse line movement is a great sign for Northwestern backers. Remember, this team lost to Illinois by 30 points a few weeks ago without Terrence Shannon Jr. This spread is insanely short. Don’t be a square and fall for one of the easiest-looking bets on the board tonight. Back NW on the spread; I’ll meet you at the cash counter.
Illinois vs. Northwestern Pick
Pick: NW +3.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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