The Illinois Fighting Illini are 2-1 on the year after a devastating 67-66 loss to Marquette on the road. Now they’ll look to get back on track with a neutral site game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at the T-Mobile Arena in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Bearcats and their fans might not travel well as they’re likely more focused on football right now. However, Cincinnati is undefeated in basketball as well. At least for now.
Illinois is currently ranked as the number one defense in the nation via KenPom, and that was without star center Kofi Cockburn who had been suspended for three games. The Fighting Illini will finally get Cockburn back.
So with Cockburn back, does Cincinnati stand a chance? Here are our free college basketball betting picks and predictions for the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and Cincinnati Bearcats in the Hall of Fame Classic.
Cincinnati vs Illinois odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
The Illinois Fighting Illini opened as a 10.5-point favorite and has already been bet up to 11 at a couple of outlets.
Meanwhile, the total has shifted from 139 to 138.5 at most books at the time of writing. Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until tip-off and be sure to check out the full college basketball odds before placing your bets.
Cincinnati vs Illinois predictions
Predictions made on 11/22/2021 at 7:28 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Cincinnati vs Illinois game info
• Location: T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO
• Date: Monday, November 22, 2021
• Tip-off: 6:30 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPNews
Cincinnati at Illinois betting preview
Injuries
Cincinnati: Viktor Lakhun F (Questionable), A.J. McGinnis G (Out).
Illinois: Kofi Cockburn C (Probable), Austin Hutcherson G (Questionable).
Find our latest NCAA basketball injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Fighting Illini are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following an ATS loss. Find more NCAA betting trends for Cincinnati vs. Illinois.
Cincinnati vs Illinois picks and predictions
Our predictions are compiled from the analysis of the spread and total and are indications of where we are leaning for this game.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this game, which we would actually put some of our bankroll behind.
Spread analysis
The Illinois Fighting Illini will insert center Kofi Cockburn back into the lineup for tonight’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bearcats after serving a three-game suspension. The center contributed 17.7 points and 9.5 rebounds last season while shooting 65.4 percent from the field last season.
Cockburn is a force on both ends of the court, and the Fighting Illini will now add him to a roster that is already ranked as the top team in the nation in defensive adjusted efficiency.
Illinois has held opponents to a 40.5 percent effective shooting percentage while inducing 24 percent turnovers. Illinois also allowed just 20.2 percent offensive rebounds this year and teams inside are shooting just 38.3 percent. Again, that’s without the seven-footer Cockburn.
On the other hand, Illinois has struggled a little bit offensively. It’s shooting a 48.4 percent effective field goal percentage, shooting 62.9 percent from the line, and is turning the ball over an inexcusable 26.3 percent of the time.
Still, Illinois is one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the country and will only get better from here. Second chances will come along throughout this game for Illinois.
Despite starting 4-0, the Cincinnati offense isn’t overwhelming anyone. Jeremiah Davenport, the Bearcats' leading scorer, is averaging just 12.5 points per game. The Bearcats are deep but don’t necessarily have anyone to rely on offense to take over games. Defensively, the Bearcats have held opponents to a 39.4 percent effective field goal percentage and limited opponents to 37.6 percent from inside the arc. That’s impressive stuff, but now that the Bearcats have to face the Fighting Illini, and those numbers are going to dip.
Give me Illinois with the big spread.
Prediction: Illinois -10.5 (-110)
Over/Under analysis
Illinois' defense is the best in the entire nation through two weeks of the season. It’s held opponents to 38.3 percent inside and continues to dominate the glass while forcing a solid amount of turnovers.
The Bearcats are no slouches on defense, either. Teams are struggling to score early against Cincinnati and are using 18.3 seconds per possession against the Bearcats. The defense has allowed teams to shoot 37.6 percent inside the arc. If that continues against Illinois, this game will go under the total.
Prediction: Under 139 (-110)
Best bet
Despite Cincinnati shooting better to start the season, Illinois is still the better team. The Fighting Illini are grabbing over 50 rebounds per game and have now added one of the best rebounders in the nation back into their lineup.
There’s going to be heavy action on Illinois because of Cockburn’s return, but it still makes sense to take Illinois here.
Pick: Illinois -10.5 (-110)
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