Illinois vs. Arkansas, 3/16/23 March Madness Betting Prediction, Odds & Trends

Illinois vs. Arkansas Prediction & Odds

One of the more intriguing matchups on Thursday’s March Madness slate will take place at 4:30 p.m. ET on TBS when 9-seed Illinois takes on 8-seed Arkansas in Des Moines, IA.

With the game essentially a pick’em, what’s the best bet from an ATS standpoint?

Game Matchup & Betting Odds

759 Illinois Fighting Illini (+1.5) vs. 760 Arkansas Razorbacks (-1.5); o/u 143.5

4:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, March 16, 2023

Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, IA

Illinois vs. Arkansas Public Betting Information

Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 65% 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.

Illinois Fighting Illini Notes

Jayden Epps (concussion) is available for Thursday's game against Penn State but will not start, Joey Wagner of 247Sports.com reports. It appears coach Brad Underwood will try to ease Epps back into action after missing the last couple games with a concussion. Ramses Melendez will remain in the starting five for now.

Illinois vs. Arkansas CBB Betting Trends

Under is 20-5-1 in Fighting Illini last 26 NCAA Tournament games

Over is 4-1 in Fighting Illini last 5 neutral site games

Under is 8-2 in Razorbacks last 10 NCAA Tournament games

Over is 5-2 in Razorbacks last 7 overall

Illinois vs. Arkansas CBB Prediction:

The Fighting Illini are just 3-9 against the spread in their last 12 neutral site games, are 1-5 against the number in their last six games overall and are 0-4 at the betting window in their last four games on Thursday. On the other side, the Razorbacks have covered in four of their last five neutral site games.

CBB BETTING PREDICTION: ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS -1.5