Can Illinois Basketball survive injuries and beat Indiana?

Illinois basketball will look to snap its two-game losing streak on Sunday when it hosts Indiana inside the State Farm Center. This matchup marks the only meeting between the two conference rivals this season.

Date: February 15
Time: 12:00 p.m. CST
Channel: CBS
Line: Illinois -10.5

The Illini have dropped back-to-back games for the first time this season and will aim to bounce back with a win over the Hoosiers. Illinois has won the last two meetings between the programs but still trails the all-time series, 96-93. Indiana is just 35-55 all-time on the road against Illinois.

The Hoosiers have won five of their last six games and would firmly be in the NCAA Tournament field if the season ended today. After starting Big Ten play just 3-5, Indiana has improved to an impressive 8-6 in conference action.

Since January 23, Indiana is 5-1 and ranks No. 16 nationally at Bart Torvik. The Hoosiers are shooting an outstanding 62% from two-point range and have done a strong job limiting turnovers during that stretch.

Despite Tuesday night’s loss to Wisconsin, the analytics still love the Illini. Illinois ranks No. 6 in both KenPom and Bart Torvik. Those strong analytical metrics are reflected in the betting market, and Illinois will look to avoid consecutive home losses as a double-digit favorite.

Kylan Boswell and Andrej Stojakovic are both questionable for Sunday’s game. Stojakovic appeared on the injury report prior to the Wisconsin matchup due to a sprained ankle suffered against Michigan State.

It could be challenging for Illinois to slow down Indiana guard Lamar Wilkerson if Boswell and Stojakovic are unable to suit up. Wilkerson is averaging 21.2 points per game while shooting an impressive 38.7% from three-point range.

Indiana has been playing strong basketball as of late, but Illinois basketball remains the more complete team. I expect the Illini to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Wisconsin.

Prediction: Illinois 83, Indiana 78

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