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Michigan vs. Illinois Prediction and Odds: Can Wolverines Get on Track?

By Reed Wallach

Michigan center Hunter Dickinson (1) dribbles against Minnesota forward Charlie Daniels (15)
Michigan center Hunter Dickinson (1) dribbles against Minnesota forward Charlie Daniels (15) / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Michigan may be the most underwhelming team in the country this season relative to preseason expectations.

The Wolverines are coming off a COVID-19 induced layoff to face Illinois, who is starting to look the part of a National Championship contender behind Kofi Cockburn, who is averaging 22 points per game. Can Michigan big man Hunter Dickinson slow him down and get Michigan back on track?

Here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook.

Michigan vs. Illinois Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Michigan: +9.5 (-110)
  • Illinois: -9.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Michigan: +370
  • Illinois: -500

Total: 144.5 (Over -115/Under -105)

Michigan vs. Illinois Prediction and Pick

While it seems doom and gloom for Michigan, this spread is too high for my liking.

Illinois is a physical team that is No. 1 in offensive rebounding rate while canning nearly 39% of their three-point tries. With Cockburn down low and the likes of Trent Frazier along the perimeter, the Illini have a dynamic offense.

However, Michigan is a strong defensive rebounding team and is top 30 at defending the perimeter, funneling opponents inside. If Dickinson can keep a lid on Cockburn -- not many players can -- the Wolverines can stay within the near double digit spread.

On the other side, Michigan's offense has been out of sorts this season, but Illinois defense is vulnerable considering they don't turn the opponent over at all.

The team is bottom 40 in that metric and are based around a sound interior defense. However, the Wolverines are hitting more than 36% of their three-point shots, and with their strong perimeter defense, can keep up with the Illini from beyond the arc.

This feels like the spot where we see some life from the Wolverines, assuming all players are cleared from COVID-19 Protocols so check for that pregame, and I think they keep it tight against Illinois who did have to come from behind to win at Nebraska on Tuesday and play top ranked Purdue at home next Monday.

This is a tough sandwich spot for a big favorite to cover, so I'm cool taking the points.

PICK: Michigan +9.5

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