Number 19 Arkansas and unranked Illinois both head to Kansas City to face each other on Thanksgiving. The game is at 4:00 PM ET on CBS. Can Arkansas cover the 2.5-point spread as neutral-site underdogs? Keep reading for our Arkansas vs. Illinois prediction.
The Arkansas Razorbacks are 5-1 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 2-4 ATS this season.
The Illinois Fighting Illini are 5-1 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 4-2 ATS this season.
Arkansas vs. Illinois Matchup & Betting Odds
775 Arkansas Razorbacks (+2.5) vs. 776 Illinois Fighting Illini (-2.5); o/u 153.5
4:00 p.m. ET, Thursday, November 28, 2024
T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO
TV: CBS
Arkansas vs. Illinois Public Betting Information
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 62% of public bettors are currently backing Arkansas when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Arkansas Razorbacks Game Notes
Razorbacks guard Boogie Fland played well in his team’s 109-35 win over Maryland Eastern Shore on Monday. In that game, the freshman from the Bronx, NY recorded 16 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and a steal. He shot 5 of 7 from the floor and 2 of 2 from long range in the victory.
Arkansas forward Karter Knox provided a spark off the bench in his team’s game on Monday. The 6’6” freshman from Tampa logged a game-high 21 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 blocked shot. Knox is averaging 5.7 points per game in 17.0 minutes per contest this year.
Illinois Fighting Illini Game Notes
Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis stuffed the stat sheet in his team’s 92-34 win over Little Rock on Monday. The freshman from Vilnius, Lithuania racked up 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. He shot 3 of 4 from long range and 8 of 8 from the foul line in the victory.
Illinois center Tomislav Ivisic had a double-double against Little Rock on Monday. The 7’1” Croatian national poured in 16 points, pulled down 11 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and nabbed 2 steals. Ivisic is second on the team in scoring with 15.5 points per game this year.
Arkansas vs. Illinois CBB Betting Trends
Arkansas is 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
The Razorbacks are 0-8 ATS in neutral-site games since the start of last season.
Illinois is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
Illinois is 7-3 ATS in neutral-site games since the start of last season.
Arkansas vs. Illinois CBB Prediction:
This is a good spot for Illinois. The Fighting Illini are 12-7-2 ATS in non-conference games and 19-13-1 ATS after a win since the start of last season. What’s more, Illinois is 13-8-2 ATS when playing an opponent on equal rest and 13-9-1 ATS when playing on 2 or 3 days of rest since the beginning of last season. Illinois is also second in the country in defensive efficiency and 10th in the nation in opponent points per game this season. This game will be played at a neutral-site in Kansas City, and good defense has been known to travel well. The public is leaning slightly toward Arkansas in this game, but I’m not. I’m laying the points with the Fighting Illini in this one.
