Michigan at Illinois Breakdown & Prediction

No. 12 Michigan at Illinois

Time: 7PM ET

Venue: State Farm Center

TV: ESPN

Records:  Michigan 21-7, 13-3 Big Ten; Illinois 17-12, 6-10

Michigan stat leaders: Points – Nik Stauskas (17.1 ppg); Rebounds – Jordan Morgan/Caris LeVert (4.5 rpg); Assists – Stauskas (3.5 apg); Steals – Caris LeVert (1.2 spg).

Illinois stat leaders: Points – Rayvonte Rice (15.8 ppg); Rebounds – Rice/Nnanna Egwu (6.0 rpg); Assists – Tracy Abrams (3.2 apg); Steals – Rice (1.6 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan W3, Illinois W3

Point Spread: Michigan -3

Prediction: Both teams come in riding three-game winning streaks, but Illinois has more to play for tonight. With Michigan claiming a share of the Big Ten title last weekend, the Wolverines could come out a little flat. Not to mention, Michigan isn’t actually known for starting out fast anyway. Illinois could really use wins over Michigan and Iowa this week to boost any NCAA Tournament chances, and the win over MSU should give them reason to think they can do it. They haven’t given up 50 points to an opponent in four straight games and look to be playing the best they have all season right now. I see Michigan with a letdown performance tonight and Illinois getting a fourth straight victory. Illinois 62, Michigan 56

Illinois at Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

Illinois at No. 18 Michigan State

Time: 4PM ET

Venue: Breslin Center

TV: ESPN2

Records: Illinois 16-12, 5-10 Big Ten; Michigan State 22-6, 11-4

Illinois stat leaders: Points – Rayvonte Rice (16.0 ppg); Rebounds – Rice (6.0 rpg); Assists – Tracy Abrams (3.2 apg); Steals – Rice (1.5 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Garry Harris (17.9 ppg); Rebounds – Branden Dawson (8.7 rpg); Assists – Keith Appling (4.8 apg); Steals – Harris (2.0 spg).

Current Streaks: Illinois W2, Michigan State L1

Point Spread: Michigan State -11

Prediction: Michigan State appears to be back to a full lineup with Dawson returning. Though Appling is still battling his wrist injury, the Spartans may not get any healthier than this. It’s been a long week since the loss to Michigan on Sunday and the Spartans need to take care of business at home against a below-average Illinois team. With Iowa and Ohio State on the horizon, this is the easiest game left on MSU’s schedule. A loss could severely impact MSU’s seeding for the NCAA Tournament. Illinois is riding a two-game winning streak, and I do expect MSU to be a little rusty out of the gate, but the Illini shouldn’t pose much of a threat to Michigan State. The Spartans are better on paper and should be better on the court. Michigan State 72, Illinois 60

Michigan State at Illinois Breakdown & Prediction

No. 4 Michigan State at Illinois

Time: 8PM ET

Venue: State Farm Center

TV: Big Ten Network

Records: Michigan State 16-1, 5-0 Big Ten; Illinois 13-5, 2-3

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Garry Harris (17.6 ppg); Rebounds – Branden Dawson (8.9 rpg); Assists – Keith Appling (4.6 apg); Steals – Harris (1.9 spg).

Illinois stat leaders: Points – Rayvonte Rice (17.7 ppg); Rebounds – Jon Ekey (6.0 rpg); Assists – Tracy Abrams (3.4 apg); Steals – Rice (1.3 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan State W9, Illinois L3

Point Spread: Michigan State -5

Prediction: Both teams come into this game dealing with injuries as Adreian Payne is still doubtful with his foot injury and Illinois’ leading scorer, Rayvonte Rice, is questionable with a hip issue. Rice is a game-time decision, but even if he does play, he won’t be at his best. Illinois has really been struggling on offense as of late, averaging just 50.5 points over their last two games. Michigan State has played well on the road and is now accustomed to playing without Payne. The Michigan State defense shouldn’t have much trouble containing the Illini offense. Michigan State will look better offensively than it did against Northwestern, but this game still won’t be terribly high scoring. Michigan State 66, Illinois 54