Get set for an exciting afternoon of college basketball when the Arkansas Razorbacks meet the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Thanksgiving Hoops Showcase at T-Mobile Arena in Kansas City, Missouri.
Both groups are playing exceptional defense, and my Arkansas vs. Illinois predictions expect more of the same this afternoon. Read on for my college basketball picks for Thursday, November 28, with the game televised on CBS.
Arkansas vs Illinois prediction
My best bet
Under 154.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
Today’s Thanksgiving Hoops Showcase between the Arkansas Razorbacks and Illinois Fighting Illini features two of the country's best defenses.
The Arkansas stop unit is ranked No. 8 at KenPom. Teams are shooting below 50% and under 30% from downtown against the Razorbacks. Arkansas also averages 11 swipes per game, with former Kentucky guard Adou Thiero having recorded 3+ steals in four games. The Razorbacks block nearly six shots per game while allowing a stingy 59 points.
Illinois also knows something about defense. The Fighting Illini allow fewer points than Arkansas does (58). They average six steals and six blocked shots per game, allowing 34% shooting from the field and 25% from downtown.
Both groups have talented offensive players, but neither side has been explosive. They might score big against the smaller D1 schools on their non-conference slate, but not against heavyweight defenses like what should be on display today.
That’s why I’m playing the Under. These teams are built similarly, and that’s to defend at a high level. Both groups chase shooters off the 3-point line and defend inside the arc at a high level. Neither allows many points from turnovers, and we should see a terrific college basketball game that stays Under the number.
Arkansas vs Illinois same-game parlay
Under 154.5
Ben Humrichous Over 2.5 threes
Illinois moneyline
Illinois forward Ben Humrichous is its 3-point shooter. He’s draining 39.5% of his 6.3 attempts from long range. He benefits from good Illini ball movement, and in a big game like this, he’ll get his typical number of attempts and maybe more.
He’s knocked down 3+ twice in six games, but if he does clear his number, he’ll help lead Illinois to victory, especially if Razorbacks forward Jonas Aidoo misses his fourth consecutive game.
Aidoo is expected to make a huge impact on both ends of the floor. His missing time hasn’t been much of an issue thus far, but it will become one today against a monstrous Fighting Illini frontcourt.
Missing Aidoo will strengthen an already-good Illinois offensive rebounding side while weakening the Arkansas frontcourt enough for Illinois to sneak away with a victory.
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Arkansas vs Illinois odds
Arkansas vs Illinois live odds
Arkansas vs Illinois opening odds
- Spread: Arkansas +2.5 | Illinois -2.5
- Moneyline: Arkansas +114 | Illinois -127
- Over/Under: Over 153.5 | Under 153.5
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Arkansas vs Illinois betting trend to know
Illinois has cashed the moneyline in 27 of their last 36 games (+11.35 units / 3% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Arkansas vs. Illinois.
How to watch Arkansas vs Illinois
| Location: | T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO |
| Date: | Thursday, 11-28-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 4:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBS |
Arkansas vs Illinois key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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