Illinois Fighting Illini vs Michigan State Spartans Picks and Predictions for Saturday, February 7, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Illinois Fighting Illini will be on the road Saturday night, playing at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, MI, at 8:00 PM against the Michigan State Spartans. Illinois is the #5-ranked team in the nation entering Saturday with 20 wins and 3 losses this season. The Michigan State Spartans enter this matchup with 19 wins and 4 losses this season and are currently ranked #10 nationally. Illinois comes into this game as one of the hottest teams in the country, with a long winning streak following a 40-point home victory against Northwestern. Michigan State limped into this matchup on a 2 game skid following a three-point road loss to Minnesota in their last outing. Read more about this Illinois vs Michigan State prediction! Struggling with handicapping? Try our NCAAB Predictions!
Illinois tries to stay hot
Offensively, Illinois has been solid this season, averaging 84.6 points on 47% shooting from the floor. Defensively, Illinois has been even better, holding opponents to 67.2 points per game through 23 games this season. Offensively, Illinois dominated its last game, scoring 84 points on 48% shooting, including 17 3-pointers. Defensively, Illinois was fantastic, giving up only 44 points on 29% shooting from the floor. Illinois won the rebounding battle by 27 and pulled in 11 offensive rebounds. AndreJ Stojakovic led the way for the Illinois offense in their last outing with 17 points on eight shots.
Keaton Wagler leads the Illinois offense this season with 17.9 points and 4.3 assists per game. Kylan Boswell is second on the roster, averaging 14.3 points, but he's played just 18 times this season. Andrej Stojakovic is third on the team with 13.5 points per game. Big man David Mirkovic is 4th on the roster with 12.3 points to go along with the team-leading 8.2 rebounds per game.
Key Injury Report for Illinois:
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- Jason Jakstys (Out) - Undisclosed
- Kylan Boswell ( Out) – Hand
- Ty Rodgers (Questionable) - Knee
Michigan State tries to end losing streak
Offensively, Michigan State is averaging 70.9 points on 47% shooting, but has averaged 72 points per game over its last two losses. Defensively, Michigan State is allowing 64.9 points per game this season and 79.5 points per game during its current 2-game losing streak. Offensively, Michigan State fared well in its last outing, scoring 73 points on 45% shooting from the floor. Defensively, the Spartans struggled, allowing 76 points, including 44 in the second half, as Minnesota shot 48% from the floor and knocked down 10 3-pointers. Michigan State won the rebounding battle by 16, but turned the ball over 9 times in the loss. Coen Carr led the way for the Michigan State offense with 16 points on 11 shots.
Jeremy Fears Jr. leads the Michigan State offense this season with 14.7 points and 8.9 assists per game. Jaxon Kohler is second on the team in scoring, 12.1 points, and leads the team in averaging 9.1 rebounds per game. Cohen Carr averages 11.6 points, and Carson Cooper is 4th on the team, averaging 10.1 points per game this season.
Key Injury Report for Michigan State:
- Divine Ugochukwy (Questionable) - Foot
- Kaleb Glenn (Out) - Knee
Illinois vs Michigan State Pick
- Illinois vs Michigan State Spread Pick
This is a top 10 matchup between two of the best teams in the Big 10 conference on Saturday. Illinois comes into this matchup tied for the top spot, playing great basketball as of late. Look for Illinois to continue its winning ways Saturday night as they overwhelm a struggling Michigan State team. Take the Fighting Illini, to use their potent offense and elite defense to do the job in this game. Illinois will extend its winning streak Saturday night, getting the win and covering on the road against Michigan State.
- Illinois vs Michigan State Over/Under Pick
Both teams scored well, but each has a tremendous defense. Look for a defensive struggle Saturday night between two of the best teams in the Big 10. Illinois will make the plays down the stretch to pull away and get the victory, but Michigan State will use its defense and home crowd to keep things close enough. Take the under on Saturday night as Illinois visits Michigan State in East Lansing.
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