Purdue vs. Indiana: Prediction, Picks & Best Bets For Tuesday’s NCAAB Game

Purdue’s heading to Indiana at the worst possible time, as the Boilermakers are on a two-game skid. Assembly Hall has never been easy for Purdue, and the Boilers are 1-3 in their past four visits to Bloomington.

Indiana is also reeling, having lost four of its past five. The Hoosiers finally stopped the bleeding by winning at Rutgers, but the Scarlet Knights look like they might be one of the worst teams in the Big Ten. Indiana’s four Big Ten wins have come against Rutgers, Maryland, Washington and Penn State, who are a combined 6-30 in the conference. It’s going to take a lot more for the Hoosiers to take down Purdue.

Purdue vs. Indiana Best Bet: Over 151.5 (-110, Caesars)

Neither team comes into this game playing its best basketball. Purdue is the stronger team on paper and certainly more experienced, but strange things tend to happen to the Boilermakers in Bloomington. That said, Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer can usually be counted on to get the job done on offense.

Purdue’s defense has been lacking a bit, even in some of their wins. Giving up 73 to Washington was concerning, allowing 85 to Penn State was a warning siren. The Boilers are coming off giving up 88 to Illinois, and they allowed the Illini to make 18 3-pointers in Mackey Arena.

Indiana isn’t as strong a deep shooting team as Illinois, but the Hoosiers excel at mid-range shots. Purdue doesn’t defend those very well. With both teams struggling to defend right now, the over appears to be the right play.

Purdue vs. Indiana Spread Bet: Purdue -4.5 (-112, DraftKings)

This really isn’t a great spot to take either team with this line. But Indiana has truly been playing poorly as of late. Beating Rutgers doesn’t change anything; the Hoosiers haven’t proven anything and their previous three losses all came by at least 14 points. Going back to the Nebraska game, the Hoosiers got outclassed in seven consecutive halves of basketball, as they led the Huskers by 16 in the second half before finding a way to lose.

Purdue traditionally doesn’t give two bad performances in a row. The Boilers have lost two in a row, but the second one was to a strong Illinois squad. Purdue’s six-point loss to the Illini might be concerning from a defensive perspective, but not from a results standpoint. The Boilermakers still look like one of the best teams in the Big Ten, and Indiana has not shown it belongs on that level.

Although home court does matter, Purdue isn’t helpless in Bloomington. It should shake off its struggles and look to make a statement.

Best Prop Bet: Fletcher Loyer, Over 10.5 Points (-125, FanDuel)

Loyer likes playing in Bloomington. He seems to feed off silencing opposing crowds, and he’s given two of his best performances in Assembly Hall over the past two seasons. Loyer scored 19 two years ago at Indiana and 20 last year. He’s made his past six 3-point attempts in Bloomington, and he’s clearly comfortable in the building.

With Trey Kaufman-Renn not playing to his capabilities right now, Braden Smith will likely look Loyer’s way for big baskets. As long as Loyer’s recent slump isn’t weighing on his mind, this seems like the perfect spot for him to bounce back and lead the Boilermakes to a rivalry win.