Illinois vs. Michigan: 2020-21 game preview and predictions for Big Ten clash

All eyes are on tonight’s matchup between two of the top 5 teams in the country as both Illinois and Michigan have put together some of their greatest seasons ever.

Tonight we see the return of Ayo Dosunmu for the Illini. Dosunmu is in the running for player of the year. With Dosunmu on the floor tonight Illinois’ chances drastically increase. Dosunmu is averaging 21 points 6 rebounds and 5 assists on the year while shooting a career-best 40% from 3. The last time he played the Wolverines, Dosunmu had a career-high 27 points with a game-winner in a 64-62 victory. Dosunmu is a big-time player who shows up in big games.

Both teams are coming into this matchup hot. The Wolverines‘ last loss on the hardwood came all the way back in January, while the Illini have won 9 of their last 10. Both teams have just recently beaten the likes of #5 ranked Iowa and #25 Wisconsin.

It’s hard to deny the dominance Michigan has displayed in recent weeks. They are a team led by senior Isaiah Livers and big man Hunter Dickinson. The Wolverines’ depth and unselfishness have been key to their success. Head Coach Juwan Howard has done a great job of having his players trust one another and play together.

However, when you compare key matchups in this game I think you have to look in Illinois favor. Kofi Cockburn is an absolute force that is a tough matchup for anyone in the nation. While Hunter Dickinson has been dominant, he may find points hard to come by tonight. The same goes with the rest of the starting lineup for Michigan.

This Illini team is ferocious defensively and extremely deep. If Michigan’s starting 5 comes out flat they won’t have a lot to turn to with their bench, as they received just three total points from the last game. Their bench shot a combined 1/13. These are small details that go unseen in a 16 point Michigan victory.

In a game of this magnitude, points might be hard to come by.  According to Fanduel Sportsbook, the Illini are 7-point underdogs while the total is 145. I think 7 points is being overly generous to Illini bettors. This game should be a tight nit contest and might even come down to the last buzzer. I think both teams will need to work for every basket.

Look for Ayo Dosunmu’s return to dominance tonight. Dosunmu has a chance to cement himself as the Player of the Year and as the best player in the nation. Don’t sleep on the fighting Illini.

Official Picks Illinois +7 and Under 145.