There are several in-state college hoop offerings, and the Bulls host the Utah Jazz Saturday night, making this a great weekend to wager on sports if you cheer for teams from IL. To find the best odds and welcome promos, check out our list of Illinois sportsbooks.
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini 1:30 pm
No. 14 Wisconsin is 3-0 in the Big Ten and meets a struggling Illinois side with a 0-3 conference mark. Wisconsin enters this contest riding a six-game winning streak with one of the top defensive units in the country.
Illinois suffered an away loss to Northwestern but is 7-1 at home and could pull off an upset in what should be a low-scoring Saturday afternoon affair.
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Northern Iowa Panthers 2:00 pm
Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) hoops action takes place Saturday when the Southern Illinois Salukis (12-4) meet the Northern Iowa Panthers (7-8). Both offenses could be better, the Salukis are rolling and should win what should be a closely contested MVC matchup.
UIC Flames vs. Indiana State Sycamores 2:00 pm
More MVC action is on tap for Saturday when the 9-7 UIC Flames meet the 12-4 Indiana State Sycamores. The Flames have struggled with a 1-4 record in MVC action, while the Sycamores are 5-0 in conference play. Look for the Sycamores to win this one by at least 10 points on Saturday.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Evansville Purple Aces 2:00 pm
The bottom dwellers of the MVC square off Saturday when the 6-10 Illinois State Redbirds meet the 4-12 Evansville Purple Aces. Neither side shoot the ball particularly well, and we should see a game-ending no higher than 133 points and Illinois State winning what should be a closely contested contest.
Valparaiso Beacons vs. Bradley Braves 2:00 pm
The MVC continues with Valparaiso meeting Bradley. Valpo is 0-5 in conference action, meeting a Bradley side off to a 3-2 MVC mark coming off of an away loss to Murray State. Bradley should prevail on Saturday by at least 10 points against one of the worst-scoring offenses in the college game.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs. George Mason Patriots 2:00 pm
We have Atlantic 10 Conference action when the 6-8 Loyola Chicago Ramblers meet the 9-6 George Mason Patriots. George Mason is one of the top shot-blocking teams in the country, and the Patriots are 4-1 ATS over their last five, is 8-0 at home, and should win this one by at least five points.
Eastern Illinois Panthers vs. Morehead State Eagles 3:00 pm
Eastern Illinois travels to Morehead State for an Ohio Valey Conference matchup the Eagles should win this contest by at least six points. The Eagles are going to soar at home against one of the worst offenses in the country, with a 2-4 record as the away side. Morehead State is 7-1 at home this season and should win this one handily.
Utah Jazz vs. Chicago Bulls 8:00 pm
Illinois sports bettors can wrap up their Saturday when the 20-21 Utah Jazz meet the 17-21 Chicago Bulls. Former Bulls forward Lauri Markanen is now with Utah and coming off a 49-point outburst in their Thursday night away victory over Houston.
The Bulls upset Brooklyn at home Wednesday night and will be playing the 2nd game of back-to-backs. Chicago has a winning record at home and could be a great moneyline wager against a Jazz side with an 8-14 away record this season.
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Two Illinois-based pro teams are set to battle when the Bears host the Minnesota Vikings, and the Blackhawks welcome the Calgary Flames.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears 1:00 pm
Minnesota is the -7.5 point away favorite, and we gave a full summary of the Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings with the best bet for this matchup this past Thursday.
Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks 7:00 pm
NHL action is on tap for Sunday when the 8-25-4 Chicago Blackhawks welcome the 18-14-7 Calgary Flames. Calgary has the better goaltending and a slightly better defense, and the Blackhawks are trying to end a five-game losing streak with a 5-14-2 record this season at United Center. Calgary should win what should be a low-scoring contest.
