Seen on:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
OH
The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / Betting Tips / NCAA Basketball Illinois Fighting Illini vs Nebraska Cornhuskers

NCAA Basketball Illinois Fighting Illini vs Nebraska Cornhuskers: Odds, Tips and Predictions 01-30-25

Basketball Betting Tips · - ·

Publish Date: 01/30/2025
Fact checked by: Simon Briffa

Nebraska was rolling at the beginning of this season, but over the last month, it has gone off the rails. Now, it faces one of the top ten teams in the Big Ten: the Illinois Fighting Illini, who, when they are right, are as good as any team in the Nation.

Illinois Fighting Illini vs Nebraska Cornhuskers

  • Point Spread: Illinois -2.5
  • Moneyline Illinois -166
  • Moneyline Nebraska +138
  • Over/Under 153.5

The Fighting Illini will continue to be without their big man, Tomislav Ivisic, but I still believe the team has a good chance of securing a victory on the road this Thursday night. The Nebraska defense has struggled in the Big Ten, allowing opponents to achieve the second-highest effective field goal percentage against them while facing a barrage of three-point shots. While they may improve over time, the Fighting Illini will likely bounce back from their current three-point shooting performance.

Brad Underwood’s squad is shooting 29% from beyond the arc in Big Ten play, down about four percent from their non-conference performance. The Illini will push teams off the three-point line and force them into contested shots closer to the basket. Although the absence of Ivisic may be a setback, the team has enough offensive firepower to manage the Nebraska offense, which has struggled in conference play. The Cornhuskers are averaging 68 points per game in the Big Ten and have particularly faltered against the stronger teams in the league, losing by an average of 33 points per game to the top 20 opponents. Illinois should still be able to handle Nebraska on the road despite being down a starter.

Illinois vs Nebraska Moneyline

Moneyline value exists for a MoneyLine bet on the Cornhuskers; this is a spot where if you like the Illinois you have to give the points. To find the best line, you need accounts with multiple sportsbooks, and we got you covered as we break down the best sports betting app

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.5/5
Tip: Bet Maryland -4.5
  • Ivisic is out
  • Cornhuskers are struggling
  • Nebraska at Home
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
Get bonus now
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

The best NCAA betting sites

To satisfy the ever-growing market of NCAA bettors, the best basketball sportsbooks offer unique user experiences, huge payouts, and fantastic bonuses. Gamers no longer have to go to casinos to find some physical action. Online bookies let you play the game of risk from the comfort of your own home. We hope our guide can point you in the right direction so you can find the best gambling experiences on the internet.

Illinois vs Nebraska Over/Under Analysis

I expect a high-energy game tonight, and a line of 153.5 is a line I will bet. I think Vegas nailed the correct number to keep me from playing this. If I had a gun to my head, I would lean towards betting the under. I really think a high-energy game between these two teams will be played in the h70s. Neither team as of late has shot the ball as well as they did earlier in the season.

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.5/5
Tip: Bet the Under 153.5
  • High-Tempo game
  • turnovers will be key
  • Nebraska at Home
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
Get bonus now
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Nebraska has struggled over the last month, will the Illini have battle injury issues to their top two players. This game is at Nebraska, which is a tough place to play, but I expect the Illini to bounce back and cover this spread.

Bet Illini -2.5

Read Also
2026 Sweet 16 Predictions: Find Latest Odds & Best Bets
There are not many warm-and-fuzzy Cinderella stories left in this year’s NCAA ...
March Madness 2026 MVP Betting: Our Picks for the March Madness MOP
The recent history of March Madness has shown that winning the tournament ...
BetMGM Promo
College Basketball Toledo vs Miami: Preview, Prediction and Top prop Bets
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Time: 7:00 PM ET Location: Millett ...
College Basketball BYU vs Cincinnati: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Time: 9:00 PM ET Location: Fifth ...
NBA Charlotte vs Dallas: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Time: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 ...
College Basketball Iowa State vs Arizona: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Monday, March 2, 2026 | Time: 9:00 PM ET Location: McKale ...
NBA Boston vs Milwaukee: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Monday, March 2, 2026 Time: 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM ...
NBA Spurs vs Knicks: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM ...
College Basketball Ohio State vs Purdue: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026 Time: 1:30 PM ET Location: Schottenstein Center, ...
College Basketball Vanderbilt vs Kentucky: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
This SEC clash carries postseason implications wrapped in blue-blood intensity. No. 25 ...
College Basketball Virginia vs Duke: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM ET Location: Cameron Indoor ...
College Basketball Miami RedHawks vs Western Michigan: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM EST Location: University Arena, ...
NBA Lakers vs Suns: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026 Time: 9:00 PM MT / 9:00 PM ...
College Basketball Michigan State vs Purdue: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026 Time: 8:00 PM EST Location: Mackey Arena, ...
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
Latest Sport News
Top 15 Indiana High School Basketball Players of the 1960s
The 1960s marked one of the most competitive ...
Top 20 Indiana High School Basketball Players of the 1980s
The 1980s were one of the most talent-rich ...
North Dakota State Must Prove Its Dynasty Works Every Week
College football likes to say you have to ...
Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic: Heavyweight Collison 
Filip Hrgovic represents a step on the heavyweight ...
Cal Poly Opens Tim Skipper’s Era on John Madden Night
Before Tim Skipper reaches halftime of his first ...
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterJames ErnestMark LewisAuthor IconJohn Raspanti
+8
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
James Ernest
James Ernest
Author
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Author Icon
Christopher Carlson
Author
John Raspanti
John Raspanti
Author
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Daniel Kornhauser
Daniel Kornhauser
Author
Marvin Uzor
Marvin Uzor
Author
Ellis Williams
Ellis Williams
Author
Chris Benedict
Chris Benedict
Editor
Shelley Harcar
Shelley Harcar
Sports Writer
Dr. Jay Gee
Dr. Jay Gee
Author
LaMarr Fields
LaMarr Fields
Author

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
CloudflareSSL
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Play now