Penn State vs. Illinois, 3/9/23 CBB Betting Prediction, Odds & Trends

Penn State vs. Illinois Prediction & Odds

Penn State and Illinois drew a first-round matchup in the Big Ten Tournament, which will continue at 6:30 p.m. ET from the United Center in Chicago, IL on Thursday.

Will the Fighting Illini cover as 2.5-point favorites or is there a smart play on the board?

Game Matchup & Betting Odds

739 Penn State Nittany Lions (+2.5) at 740 Illinois Fighting Illini (-2.5); o/u 141.5

6:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, March 9, 2023

United Center, Chicago, IL

Penn State vs. Illinois Public Betting Information

Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 72% 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.

Penn State Nittany Lions DFS Spin

Jalen Pickett recorded 16 points (7-12 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 0-1 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals over 40 minutes during Sunday's 65-64 victory over Maryland. Pickett played for the entirety of his final home game for the Nittany Lions. If he stays hot in the conference tournament, Pickett could lead his team to some major upsets as he wraps things up.

Illinois Fighting Illini DFS Spin

Jayden Epps (concussion) will make the trip to the Big 10 Tournament, Joey Wagner of 247Sports reports. Epps, who officially entered concussion protocol on Monday, will travel with the team to the Big 10 Tournament. The 6-foot-2 freshman has appeared in 29 games this season, averaging 10 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.7 steals on 26 minutes per game.

Penn State vs. Illinois CBB Betting Trends

Under is 10-3 in Fighting Illini last 13 vs. a team with a winning straight up record

Under is 12-3 in Nittany Lions last 15 vs. a team with a winning straight up record

Under is 4-1 in Nittany Lions last 5 neutral site games

Over is 5-2-1 in Nittany Lions last 8 overall

Penn State vs. Illinois CBB Prediction:

The underdog is 22-10-2 against the spread in the last 34 meetings between these two teams. The Nittany Lions, meanwhile, are 21-10-1 against the number in their last 32 games versus a team with a winning percentage above .600, is 20-7-3 against the number in their last 30 neutral site games and are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games played on Thursday. On the other side, the Illini are just 3-8 against the spread in their last 11 neutral site games, are 1-4 against the number in their last five games overall and have dropped six of their last seven games ATS when playing on Thursday.

CBB BETTING PREDICTION: PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS +2.5