As if they were cognizant of the NFL’s championship Sunday, the college basketball slate is rather scarce. Only a trio of teams ranked in the AP Poll are in action, but there are still plenty of intriguing matchups worth diving into. Below, I’ve detailed my two favorite college basketball props for January 26 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Illinois -7.5 (-110)
Two decades after being a national title contender with the likes of Deron Williams and Luther Head at the helm, Illinois is back to being a tournament mainstay. Despite being pegged to finish fourth in the conference, likely out of respect for head coach Brad Underwood, the Illini had no players on the preseason All-Big Ten team.
Even the most optimistic fans in Champaigne likely couldn’t have predicted the rise of freshman Kasparas Jakucionis. The Lithuanian national will be a top-five pick in June thanks to a crafty game style and sweet stroke from downtown. The combo guard is one of the country’s best offensive engines, and he elevates the play of everyone around him.
Will Riley and Tomislav Ivisic are also likely NBA-bound, and this team has impressive depth and a high ceiling. Jakucionis getting banged up has hurt the squad lately, but this explosive offense is difficult to contain for long. Northwestern is a talented group but doesn’t have the firepower to go shot for shot with Illinois on the road.
Wisconsin -7 (-112)
Wisconsin is shattering expectations. Tied for 12th in the Big Ten preseason team poll, the Badgers were considered a March longshot. Sixth-year senior John Tonje has been a revelation.
After averaging just over two points for Mizzou last year, Tonje is up to over 17 points a night in cardinal and white. He’s hitting on a blistering 38% of his attempts from beyond the arc and is the scoring threat this roster hasn’t had since Johnny Davis. John Blackwell provides a solid backcourt mate, and this Badgers offense is lethal.
Nebraska padded its record in non-con play but has lost four straight games and looks increasingly mediocre. Wisconsin is 10-1 at home and needs this game to keep pace at the top of the conference. The significantly better bunch in their own building tend to cover.
