Illinois State vs Wake Forest Prediction, Picks & Odds | 22 Mar 2026

College Basketball Betting Preview: Illinois State vs Wake Forest

The Illinois State Redbirds face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in this NIT Second Round game at LJVM Coliseum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with tip-off scheduled for 16:30 on Sunday, March 22.

We’re confident that Illinois State can push for a win and the +7.5 about them on the spread makes plenty of appeal. Take -105 that the underdogs cover the line against Wake Forest.

The Illinois State Redbirds (21-12, 3rd in MVC) beat the Kent State Golden Flashes 79-58 in the First Round.

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (18-16, 13th in ACC) secured an 82-72 First Round win over the Navy Midshipmen.

NCAAB Regular Season	Overall	PF	PA	N. Pts	Home	Away	Strk
Illinois State	20-12	2404	2190	214	15-4	5-8	1L
Wake Forest	17-16	2602	2543	59	12-6	5-10	1L

View Full Standings

Illinois State vs Wake Forest Prediction & Picks

Approach Illinois State vs Wake Forest fully prepared with our expert match prediction, likely correct score outcome and a hand-picked bet builder designed for value.

Game Prediction

We’re delighted to see that Illinois State have been given a headstart on the spread. Take the +7.5 at odds of -105 before they line up for this college matchup.

Knowing which players are injured gives us a valuable edge when making basketball predictions. After reviewing the form guide, we turn to the latest stats to shape our college hoops picks.

Key Illinois State vs Wake Forest stats:

• The +7.5 line has been covered by Illinois State in 15 of their last 20 games.
• The +7.5 line has been covered by Illinois State in 6 of their last 10 games.
• The -7.5 line hasn’t been covered by Wake Forest in 17 of their last 20 games.
• The -7.5 line hasn’t been covered by Wake Forest in 8 of their last 10 games.

Illinois State +7.5 Probability

According to the top betting apps, there’s a 51.3% likelihood of our pick delivering a return. Taking all factors into consideration, our cappers think there’s a stronger chance of success and have a probability interval between 55-60%. This is why we regard this as a value wager.

If you want to get an odds boost when it comes to Illinois State covering the line, then consider a Bet Builder where multiple picks can be combined together.

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Our Game Prediction

Illinois State +7.5 @ -105 Bet Now

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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Mar 21, 21:02). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Illinois State 69 - 74 Wake Forest

For those looking to get more bang for their buck, consider a correct score wager on the Demon Deacons. Backing them to win 74-69 means you can land a potential monster return.

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Illinois State vs Wake Forest Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

The sportsbooks have Wake Forest at -313 when it comes to the Moneyline betting, implying the favorites are 76% likely to win this game according to the latest odds. At +245, Illinois State are regarded as having a lower probability of winning.

The spread currently stands at 7.5 and the total points line is 149.5. Basketball bettors love the chance to get an alternative angle by going for a Total wager. If you fancy Under 149.5, then the odds are -105.

There are plenty of team props and game lines available for college basketball wagering, and we recommend checking out the top sportsbooks to find the bet that aligns with your prediction for the game.

Moneyline

Illinois State

+245

Wake Forest

-313

Point Spread

Illinois State +7.5

-105

Wake Forest -7.5

-115

Total Points

Under 149.5

-105

Over 149.5

-115

There is regularly betting value to be found from wagering on the player props with the best online gambling sites. You can find lots of ways to back for or against a specific player lining up for one of the two teams.

Micro betting provides a rollercoaster ride for college basketball bettors. It can be great to enjoy the live lines, with the opportunity to bet on the Next Field Goal. Watch the live action before deciding which way to go.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Illinois State Stats

Wake Forest Stats

Moneyline

• 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games

Moneyline

• 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games

Point Spread

• +7.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 6 of the last 10 games

Point Spread

• -7.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 2 of the last 10 games

Total Points

• Game Totals: An average of 145.00 pts in the previous 10 games
• Over 149.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 72.90 pts and allowed 72.10 pts in the last 10 games

Total Points

• Game Totals: An average of 151.30 pts in the previous 10 games
• Over 149.5: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 76.00 pts and allowed 75.30 pts in the last 10 games

NCAAB Regular Season Table Select Season 2025/20262024/20252023/20242022/20232021/20222020/20212019/2020

Atlantic Coast	Overall	PF	PA	N. Pts	Home	Away	Strk
Duke	32-2	2798	2147	651	21-0	11-2	11W
Virginia	29-5	2742	2326	416	19-1	10-4	1L
Miami	25-8	2704	2349	355	16-4	9-4	1L
North Carolina	24-8	2553	2282	271	19-1	5-7	2L
Clemson	24-10	2521	2269	252	16-3	8-7	1L
Louisville	23-10	2797	2382	415	16-2	7-8	1L
California	21-11	2492	2344	148	17-4	4-7	2L
Stanford	20-12	2431	2326	105	12-7	8-5	1L
NC State	20-13	2762	2525	237	13-7	7-6	1L
SMU	20-13	2779	2561	218	17-3	3-10	1L
Virginia Tech	19-13	2521	2396	125	15-4	4-9	2L
Florida State	18-15	2652	2572	80	12-8	6-7	1L
Wake Forest	17-16	2602	2543	59	12-6	5-10	1L
Syracuse	15-17	2400	2376	24	12-6	3-11	6L
Notre Dame	13-18	2308	2335	-27	11-7	2-11	2L
Pittsburgh	13-20	2327	2370	-43	8-10	5-10	1L
Boston College	11-20	2090	2191	-101	10-10	1-10	1W
Georgia Tech	11-20	2287	2400	-113	10-10	1-10	12L

Missouri Valley	Overall	PF	PA	N. Pts	Home	Away	Strk
Belmont	26-6	2684	2347	337	15-3	11-3	2L
Northern Iowa	23-12	2447	2144	303	13-5	10-7	5W
Bradley	21-12	2560	2422	138	17-4	4-8	1L
Illinois State	20-12	2404	2190	214	15-4	5-8	1L
Murray State	20-12	2667	2558	109	14-4	6-8	2L
UIC	19-15	2567	2379	188	11-7	8-8	1L
Valparaiso	17-15	2278	2300	-22	13-4	4-11	1L
Southern Illinois	16-16	2336	2226	110	8-8	8-8	1L
Drake	14-20	2552	2544	8	7-12	7-8	1L
Indiana State	11-21	2354	2383	-29	8-7	3-14	1L
Evansville	7-25	2143	2447	-304	5-12	2-13	2L

• Overall = Overall Wins-Losses
• PF = Total Points For
• PA = Total Points Against
• N. Pts = Point Differential
• Home = Home Record
• Away = Away Record
• Strk = Current Streak

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