The Illinois Fighting Illini take on the Wisconsin Badgers in Madison, Wisconsin. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET on FS1.
Wisconsin is favored by 4 points on the spread with a moneyline of -180. The total is set at 161.5 points.
Here are my Illinois vs. Wisconsin predictions and college basketball picks for February 18, 2025.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Wisconsin Badgers Prediction, Picks
- Pick: Wisconsin -3.5 (Play to -4)
My Illinois vs. Wisconsin best bet is on the Badgers spread, with the best odds currently available at DraftKings. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Illinois vs. Wisconsin Odds, Betting Line, Spread
| Illinois Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -105 | 161.5 -105 / -115 | +150 |
| Wisconsin Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -115 | 161.5 -105 / -115 | -180 |
- Illinois vs Wisconsin spread: Wisconsin -3.5, Illinois +3.5
- Illinois vs Wisconsin over/under: 161.5
- Illinois vs Wisconsin moneyline: Wisconsin ML -180, Illinois ML +150
Illinois vs. Wisconsin NCAAB Preview
Wisconsin hasn't beaten Illinois since 2019, as it's currently on a nine-game losing streak (!) against the Illini, including three straight losses in Madison.
But that streak will end on Tuesday.
Yes, the Badgers are coming off a monumental, emotional win on the road at Mackey Arena against Purdue while the Illini suffered a disappointing 14-point home loss to Michigan State.
However, the Illini also have a big game ahead against Duke on Saturday, creating a mini lookahead spot.
There are also concerns for Illinois right now that I can't overlook, particularly a lack of leadership.
It also hasn't helped that Illinois has failed to have its full roster together for most of the Big Ten season. Tre White (23 points in the first meeting between these two) hasn't played since Feb. 8 against Minnesota, and now Morez Johnson Jr. is out with a broken wrist.
The Illini tend to fall in love with the 3-ball, too, creating a boom-or-bust scenario offensively.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin is extremely disciplined and well-coached by Greg Gard. John Tonje has suddenly found his early-season form again, averaging 24 points over his last seven outings, and John Blackwell is one of the more underrated backcourt pieces in the nation.
I just trust the Badgers a whole lot more than the Illini right now, especially at the Kohl Center.
