Illinois vs Missouri Prediction, Picks, and Odds for Today’s College Basketball Game

If there’s an unranked college basketball team that can get to the heart of how good the Missouri Tigers are, it’s the Illinois Fighting Illini.

The two teams clash Sunday, with our Illinois vs. Missouri predictions and college basketball picks leaning the way of the visitors. Tip is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET from Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.  

Illinois vs Missouri prediction

My best bet
Illinois -3 (-110 at bet365)

My analysis
The Illinois Fighting Illini aren’t even into the meaty part of what should be a tough go in the Big Ten, but they've certainly been battle-tested over the last four-game gauntlet.

Last time out, they came up just short against top-ranked Tennessee, falling 66-64. Prior to that, they bested 20th-ranked Wisconsin 86-80, a bounceback from a tough 70-66 OT loss to Northwestern to kick off conference play.

This streak of big-time opposition started with a big 90-77 win over Arkansas (previously 19th). They also had a 100-87 battle to then-No. 8 Alabama. Their body of work is certainly not lost on KenPom, who have them ranked 20th overall and 13th in defensive efficiency.

Meanwhile, Missouri has ripped off 10 wins in a row after an opening-night loss at Memphis, the Tigers’ only away game so far this season. Last time out, they beat up Jacksonville State 83-72, marking the eighth time over this fun run that the Tigers have posted 81+ points and have won seven matchups by double digits.

The reason KenPom only has them ranked 51st with a 10-1 mark — which includes a win over then-No. 1 Kansas — is because even with that statement victory, Missouri’s strength of schedule ranking on KenPom is second last, a lowly 363rd in the nation.

Currently, Missouri is 30th in offensive efficiency and ranks second in college basketball, shooting an impressive 52% from the floor, but they’ll be sizing up with a legit defense Sunday. The Illini are seventh in the nation in field goal shooting defense, limiting opponents to a lowly 36.9% clip. Their work defending the arc is also noteworthy, with teams shooting 26.4% from 3-point range (8th).

The Illini have won two of the last three head-to-head meetings and are 4-2 in the last six games played at the Enterprise Center. There’s just no substitute for game action. While Missouri might be as good as its record shows, the Illini has already proven they can compete with the best teams in the country.

Illinois vs Missouri same-game parlay

Illinois -2.5

Kasparas Jakucionis Over 16.5 points

Tomislav Ivisic Over 9.5 rebounds

+425 at bet365

Perhaps the books aren’t keeping tabs on Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis, but keep this scoring total to you and your betting friends, because it doesn’t add up. The freshman held his own in the loss to Tennessee, finishing with 22 points and three rebounds, and he’s held up during this run against A+ competition.

He's topped 20+ points in each of his last five starts, and he faces a Missouri side that's allowed nine different players to top that 16.5-point mark set for Jakucionis Sunday.

While Jakucionis has been filling it up, 7-foot-1 big man Tomislav Ivisic has been cleaning glass. The sophomore from Croatia has grabbed 10+ rebounds in five straight contests, finishing with double-doubles in three of them.

Illinois is the top rebounding team in the nation, pulling down 45.6 boards per game, while Missouri is a lowly 254th. Ivisic should clear his rebounding total with some to spare against the Tigers.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

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Illinois vs Missouri odds

Illinois vs Missouri live odds

Illinois vs Missouri opening odds

• Spread: Illinois -2.5 | Missouri +2.5
• Moneyline: Illinois -155 | Missouri +130
• Over/Under: Over 155.5 | Under 155.5

Odds courtesy of bet365.

Illinois vs Missouri betting trend to know

Missouri has cashed the Over in four of its last six games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Illinois vs. Missouri.

How to watch Illinois vs Missouri

Illinois vs Missouri key injuries

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