No. 18 Illinois travels to Lincoln, NE on Thursday night when the Fighting Illini takes on unranked Nebraska at 8:30 p.m. ET. Will the Illini cover as a 4-point road favorite? Or will the Cornhuskers keep pace with their Big Ten rivals?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Illinois Fighting Illini (-4) at Nebraska Cornhuskers (+4); o/u 154.5
8:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, January 30, 2025
Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE
TV: FS1
Illinois vs. Nebraska Public Betting: Bettors Love Fighting Illini
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 69% of public bettors are currently backing Illinois 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.
Boswell totals 17 points vs. Northwestern
Kylan Boswell totaled 17 points (4-8 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 9-10 FT), six rebounds, four assists and one block over 28 minutes during Sunday’s 83-74 victory over Northwestern. Boswell got to the line early and often, converting on 9-of-10 looks from the charity stripe during Sunday’s win over the Wildcats. The 6-foot-2 junior transfer from Arizona continues to excel with the Fighting Illini, averaging 12.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.3 steals across 20 starts. Boswell will look to continue logging strong shooting outings after a rough start from the field to open the 2024-25 season.
Gary held in check vs. Wisconsin
Juwan Gary totaled five points (2-12 FG, 1-5 3Pt) and nine rebounds across 29 minutes during Sunday’s 83-55 loss to Wisconsin. Gary was held to just 2-of-12 shooting from the field, closing with five points and nine rebounds during Sunday’s rout by the Badgers. The 6-foot-6 senior has started in all 20 games this season, averaging 12.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals on 28.1 minutes per game. Gary will look to get back on track during Thursday’s matchup with the Fighting Illini.
Illinois vs. Nebraska CBB Prediction:
The Fighting Illini have won nine out of the last 10 meetings between these two teams. That includes a nine-game winning streak for Illinois. Granted, the rivals have split over the last 10 meetings from an ATS standpoint. That said, the Illini are 3-0 at the betting window over the last 10 meetings between the two teams when the line is 4.5 or lower. As for the Cornhuskers, they’ve lost six consecutive games overall and five out of the last six at the window.
Illinois vs. Nebraska Hoops Prediction: ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI -4