Illinois vs Nebraska: Today’s College Basketball Predictions, Picks, and Odds

The highly anticipated matchup between the No. 9 Illinois Fighting Illini and the No. 5 Nebraska Cornhuskers is set to take place today. This game promises a vibrant display of college basketball action as both teams bring impressive statistics and strong performances into the arena.

Illinois vs Nebraska: Key Predictions and Stats

Illinois enters this game riding a wave of confidence with ten consecutive victories. They currently lead in KenPom’s offensive efficiency metrics and stand second in Big Ten scoring, averaging 85.0 points per game. Their offense is just a fraction behind that of Michigan, the top-ranked team in the conference.

Nebraska, however, is also a formidable opponent. Despite suffering their first loss of the season recently, the Cornhuskers maintain a robust offense, scoring an average of 80.5 points per game. Their standout player, guard Jamarques Lawrence, has been a key part of this success, ranking 15th in the nation for 3-point shooting percentage.

Injury Updates

Both teams look set to feature some of their top players today. Nebraska will welcome back Rienk Mast and Braden Frager, who had missed games due to illness and injury. Their return is expected to provide a significant boost to the Cornhuskers’ high-powered offense.

Recent Matchup History

The previous encounters between Illinois and Nebraska illustrate a trend towards high-scoring games. The last four matchups have all concluded with 154 or more combined points, with three games surpassing the Over mark.

• Betting Prediction: Over 150.5 points (-115)
• Illinois Spread: +2.5 (-110)
• Nebraska Spread: -2.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Illinois +120 | Nebraska -140

Player Performances to Watch

Several players are expected to shine today. Pryce Sandfort has been in outstanding form, scoring 20 points against Michigan and consistently reaching high scoring marks in recent games. His previous performance against Illinois saw him notch a career-high 32 points.

Keaton Wagler’s scoring has been less consistent, having only surpassed 21.5 points in five of 13 January games. He scored 19 in the earlier match against Nebraska.

In terms of betting trends, it’s worth noting that Nebraska has won 12 straight games on their home turf, making them even more formidable in front of their fans.

Game Details

Fans can follow this crucial Big Ten clash on FS1, as both teams aim for victory in what promises to be another thrilling chapter in college basketball.