The Arkansas Razorbacks and Illinois Fighting Illini will square off on Thursday. This game could go either way and should end up being a close game.
With the tournament starting, there are plenty of March Madness brackets and March Madness odds being discussed. Today, our college basketball picks will focus on this Arkansas versus Illinois affair.
Illinois enters play having dropped two consecutive games. They have dropped three of their past five games overall.
Arkansas has gone just 1-4 over the course of their past five games heading into this contest.
Tip-off is scheduled for 1:30 PM EST on Thursday, March 16th, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. Let’s take a look at the Arkansas vs Illinois prediction, NCAAB odds, and analysis for this Thursday night game.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs Illinois Fighting Illini Odds
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Information
Arkansas Razorbacks vs Illinois Fighting Illini
Location: Wells Fargo Center, Des Moines, Iowa.
Date and Time: Thursday, March 16th, 2023, at 1:30 PM EST.
How to Watch: TBS | https://livestreamsports.co/
Click here to dive into our BetUs Review
Updates for Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
This is going to be one of the most competitive matchups as the No. 8, and No. 9 seeds prepare to battle.
Both Arkansas and Illinois fared well against the spread during the 2022-23 campaign. These are two talented NCAA basketball teams more than capable of earning a victory on Thursday.
Illinois is just 1-5 against the spread in their last six games overall. Their inability to cover the spread is something to monitor without question.
Can Arkansas Expose Illinois’ Shooting Woes to Secure a Win?
Arkansas has been mediocre against the spread all season long. They are listed as narrow favorites in this game, but there’s no clear advantage for the Razorbacks. If they can expose Illinois’ shooting concerns, then Arkansas may find itself in the driver’s seat.
Even if Arkansas wins this game, they will most likely have to go against No. 1 Kansas next round. Their path to a championship is a difficult one.
Nick Smith has been out due to an injury. However, Ricky Council has stepped up and given Arkansas a breath of fresh air. For Illinois, Terrance Shannon Jr. will be someone to keep tabs on.
Before sharing our picks for the NCAA basketball games today, let’s take a closer look at this game.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
Arkansas is listed as a narrow favorite according to most sportsbooks. They are listed anywhere from 1.5-2.5 point favorites heading into this clash.
Although neither team have many college basketball players on the college basketball injury report, inconsistency has been a major factor for both teams. Arkansas and Illinois both feature talented rosters, but it will be interesting to see if either side can come together.
In the end, the odds of Illinois covering the spread and still losing are slim, given the narrow spread. That is something to keep in mind before sharing our final Arkansas vs Illinois prediction and March Madness bets.
With the college basketball standings set, it is time to reveal our official Arkansas vs Illinois prediction for Thursday.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Prediction
Many college basketball picks will be made in the coming weeks, and rolling with underdogs will be a tempting decision. However, this game represents an opportunity to roll with the favorite and feel confident about that decision.
However, this will be a contest that comes down to the wire and should feature no shortage of excitement.
- Betting on this event: Take Arkansas as your betting selection with your March Madness betting pick in this game.
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