Illinois vs Michigan State CBB Picks
Illinois looked like a potential sleeper early in the season but they have struggled in conference play. They are coming into East Lansing on a two game winning streak but that if the first time they have won back to back B10 games since the first two. [ad-4468020]
Illinois Fighting Illini (16-12) vs. Michigan State (22-6)
Saturday March 1
Breslin Center – East Lansing, MI
4:00PM
Moneyline: Michigan -700, Illinois +500
Spread: Michigan State -11
O/U: No total currently listed
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Illinois
They might be catching the Spartans at a good time health wise but they are going to have to make up a lot of ground from when they lost to MSU on the road last month.
Transfer Rayvonte Rice is one of the more underrated players in America.
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Though only 6’4” he is powerful and leads the team in scoring while averaging 6 rebounds per game from the backcourt. The problem is that teams figured out pretty quickly that if you shut him down the Illini don’t have much else.
He averages 16ppg but only one other, Tracey Abrams cracks double digits in the scoring column.
The Illini’s tourney fate is likely decided but if they could go on a run you never know, their last three opponents are all ranked.
It would have to start with a win on Saturday and as the oddsmakers are saying that just isn’t likely. I think they can be spirited and cover though so there is value there.
Michigan State
All coach Tom Izzo can hope for is that this team will be fully healthy when March Madness begins.
Until then he is trying to mix and match parts to see what he can get away with. This game will aid in that process and the Spartans should be able to get a win with Adrien Payne back and Keith Appling struggling with injury.
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Still no Brandon Dawson for a while which hurts them on the board more than anywhere else.
With Appling not his usual self there is more burden being placed on talented wing Denzel Valentine. He has PG style vision and has proven he can be a contributor on the glass leading the team in rebounds. However, he is prone to mistakes and it will be interesting to see if Izzo can get him to settle down a little bit.
The return of Payne should make it easier for him not to carry such a heavy burden.
The Spartans are not concerned about style point this season – they never are anyway.
They are just looking to get victories and find out what kind of mish mash units they can put together to be productive.
I think they can get the W at home because this Illini team just doesn’t have the high end talent of recent teams.
Spread Pick: Illinois +11
O/U Pick: N/A
Score Prediction: Michigan State 70 – Illinois 61
