We have a potential court-storming Thursday night. Big Ten Conference play is in full swing, and with it comes the launch of legalized sports betting in the Buckeye state. This means that residents can lock in Ohio State sports betting promos ahead of tip-off against No. 1 Purdue.
The No. 24 Buckeyes look to remain unbeaten in Big Ten play, as this clash tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET. We’ve gathered the best available odds across sportsbooks, the best available sportsbook bonus bets and bet credit promos and provided a matchup breakdown below.
How To Bet On Ohio State Basketball Odds
Ohio State vs. Purdue College Basketball Props
Compare Ohio State and Purdue player prop odds across sportsbooks for tonight’s game. Click on the odds to bet now.
Ohio State Sports Betting Promos
We’ve assembled the best available sportsbook bonus offers in Ohio here. If you were to max out these promos, it adds up to almost $8,000 in added value via bonus bets and refunds via bet credits if you lose your first wager with your new account. Include the promo code during sign up for the offers below that instruct you to, “Use Promo Code”.
Get $200
OHIO STATE VS. PURDUE PREVIEW
Following their loss against Rutgers, the schedule only gets more difficult for Matt Painter’s Boilermakers. Ohio State boasts one of the best offenses in the nation, led by Freshman Brice Sensabaugh, who averages 15.9 points per game.
If you monitor TheLines lead writer Eli Hershkovich’s college basketball power rankings, you will notice both of these teams are in it. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Outside Shots podcast, as Eli and Scott Phillips break down everything you need to know before betting college hoops this season.
Why Ohio State Can Cover
After Rutgers knocked off the top-ranked Boilermakers Monday night, Ohio State has a chance to give Purdue its first losing streak since March of last year. Ohio State is no stranger to knocking off No. 1 teams at Value City Arena. Over his six years as Ohio State head coach, Chris Holtmann’s squad has beaten two No. 1 teams. If Purdue’s defense isn’t up to the task, it can easily become the third.
The motion offense that Ohio State runs should be particularly problematic for Purdue to handle. Through 13 games, Ohio State sports one of the most electric offenses in the country, sitting at second in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency (per KenPom). The offensive success of Ohio State comes as a surprise to many. Head coach Chris Holtmann has had the difficult task of incorporating five freshmen and three transfers into the offense this season. Senior guard Sean McNeil has been a particularly good transfer addition to the Buckeyes. Through three games against top-25 opponents, McNeil is averaging more than 16 points a game.
Rutgers’ defense smothered Purdue Monday night, trapping Edey in the post and forcing Purdue into 13 turnovers in the process. Although the 7-foot-4 center still contributed 19 points for the Boilermakers, disrupting entry passes to Edey and turning over the Boilermakers played pivotal in Rutgers’ upset victory. If Ohio State can increase their defensive effort, Painter’s squad can be well on their way to another loss.
Why Purdue Can Cover
Ohio State simply lacks the size to contain Zach Edey in the post. Zed Key is likely to draw the matchup with Edey. Expect the Buckeyes to bring some help for Key in the post. Purdue struggled with this against Rutgers, but it should be noted that the Scarlet Knights are one of the top defensive units in the nation.
Furthermore, Ohio State doesn’t turn their opponents over at a high clip. In fact, they only force 11.5 turnovers per game to their opponents (285th nationally). This should complement Purdue nicely, as the Boilermakers are one of the least turnover prone teams in the nation.
On the flip side, Ohio State could be due for some negative regression from behind the arc. Freshmen Bruce Thornton and Brice Sensabaugh have led the way, with both players shooting better than 45% thus far. While this has been impressive, it’s not likely sustainable. It should be noted that Purdue opponents are only shooting 28.3% from three, 22nd in the country.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Ultimately, both offenses provide difficult tests for their opponents. However, this Purdue squad is shooting an appalling 30.5% from behind the arc, 302nd in the nation. This is an issue that Matt Painter needs to correct quickly so it doesn’t persist deep into conference play. If Edey gets in foul trouble and the Boilermakers can’t knock down their threes, Purdue should be in trouble. I backed the Buckeyes in this matchup. Best of luck, and enjoy the Ohio State sports betting promos!
