Illinois vs. Maryland Prediction and Odds (Cockburn's Injury Casts Doubt)

Illinois will travel to face Maryland shorthanded on Friday night in Big Ten action.

Jon Rothstein of CBSSports reported on Friday morning that Illini big man Kofi Cockburn will miss the team's game with a concussion.

What happens now that the line has crashed with Big Ten contender Illinois down their best player?

Here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook.

Illinois vs. Maryland Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Illinois: -4 (-110)
• Maryland: +4 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Illinois: -190
• Maryland: +160

Total: 137.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Illinois vs. Maryland Prediction and Pick

Illinois lost a tough one at home to Purdue on Monday and now will be down their most impactful player, so it's tough to back them on the road against a desperate Terps team.

However, this Maryland team isn't inspiring a ton of confidence. They are 9-9 on the year and has lost their last two games by a combined 30 points to Rutgers at home and Michigan on the road.

While it seems like Maryland is a sure fire bet, their defense is very problematic considering they are outside the top 300 in turnover rate and Illinois is still a high powered offense from the perimeter, not just inside with Cockburn. 36% of the Illini's points come form beyond the arc, 59th in the country with the likes of Trent Frazier and Alfonso Plummer each shooting well from deep.

So I don't see the Terps generating a ton of stops nor the Illini offense cratering, but the home team should be able to get cleaner looks inside where they have tried to do with ball handlers like Fatts Russell and Eric Ayala.

Overall, I'm going to play against the crashing total and bet the over 135 as my favorite bet in this game with some uncertainty.

LEAN: OVER 135, play to 136