Thursday is a massive day for NCAA basketball teams across the country. The college basketball standings are on the line as the No. 1 ranked Purdue Boilermakers (19-1) are traveling to the Crisler Center to take on the unranked Michigan Wolverines (11-8).
There is nothing better than betting on a conference game in January that should both be March Madness picks later on. Clear your schedules, as the best team in basketball, is playing tonight. It is time to give our Purdue vs Michigan betting advice.
Purdue Boilmakers vs. Michigan Wolverines Odds
Last Game Records
You do not have to be good at math to know that the Purdue Boilermakers’ 19-1 record is incredibly good. It is no fluke that they are ranked as the best team in the nation. The Purdue Boilermakers odds have been in their favor all season and for a good reason.
Purdue’s lone loss came on January 2 at the hands of the underrated Rutgers Scarlet Knights by a score of 65-64. I think they can be forgiven for that one, given their tough schedule and quality wins.
Looking at the NCAAB schedule, the Michigan Wolverines picks for tonight are rather important. They only face the Boilermakers once this season, and that happens tonight. Michigan entered the season ranked but has been very much so underwhelmed to this point. The Wolverines are 4-3 in the month of January but are coming off a win.
We would be remiss if we did not bring up a basketball game that happened in the middle of February last year. Purdue was ranked No. 3, and Michigan was unranked, with a record of 13-9. Michigan embarrassed Purdue on the road for a huge 82-58 upset win in West Bend. Will history repeat itself? Keep that in mind when Purdue vs Michigan betting.
Entering the season, Purdue was unranked compared to the No. 22 ranking of Michigan. The college basketball injury report is not a factor tonight, and both teams are ready to roll.
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Michigan Wolverines Information
Purdue Boilermakers vs Michigan Wolverines
Location of the game: Crisler Center, The University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, MI.
Date: Thursday, January 26. 8:00 PM EST
How to watch: FS1.
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Analysis
Number 1 For a Reason
When you look at either the NCAAB odds of the NCAAB picks, you expect the oddsmakers to consistently favor the Purdue Boilermakers by double digits, but that has not been the case. Granted, the Big Ten is a tough conference, but Purdue is only favored by two possessions against Michigan. When you have a cheat code-named Zach Edey, you deserve some more respect.
The Boilermakers gel together. It certainly helps when you have one of the best college basketball players in Edey dominating down low, but the other guys have stepped up.
Coming into the season the Purdue Boilermakers odds were contingent on Edey being the only guy. Guys like Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith have been key second and third-scoring options for the team out of Indiana.
Pay close attention to the three-point shooting of the Boilermakers. They are going to collect rebounds like usual, as they are the 7th highest-rebounding team in the country, but if guys like Loyer can help Edey out and nail some threes, Purdue will fare well up North.
Get Back on Track
Everybody is waiting for the Michigan Wolverines to get back on track. They were expected to be a top team in the country and fight for a shot at a regular season Big Ten championship. Instead, they are barely above .500 as we are getting deeper into conference play. It certainly does not get any easier when you have to battle the juggernauts of Purdue.
On paper and looking at the team stats, this Wolverines team should be pretty good. They have the duel threat (on the podcast and on the court) Hunter Dickinson averaging 18.1 points and 8.9 rebounds, as well as Jett Howard and Kobe Bufkin each scoring 14.6 and 12.1, respectively. This is why we do not judge a team on paper.
Michigan’s offense is very inefficient. They do not shoot the ball at high clips, and are one of the worst free-throw-shooting teams in the country. The Wolverines are at least respectable on the defensive end, but nothing great. Michigan allows just under 70 points per game, which is a recipe for disaster.
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview
Heading into tonight’s matchup, the Purdue Boilermakers are favored on the spread at -5.5 (-105). On the other hand, the Michigan Wolverines are the underdogs on their home court at +5.5 (-115). The over/under posted total for the game is set at an even 136 (-110).
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Prediction
If you like watching an offensive shootout, you should not watch this game. The Michigan Wolverines have a below-average offense, and the Purdue Boilermakers have one of the best defenses in the country.
Purdue allows only 59.3 points per game, and opponents shoot less than 40% from the field and under 30% from three. All signs point to this being a walk in the park for Purdue.
In all honesty, both of these teams are pretty bad against the spread. Michigan has only covered once in their last five games, and Purdue struggled to cover prior to conference play. Nobody knows what a Boilermaker is, but at least they have been covering as of late.
Finally, it is time for the best Purdue vs Michigan betting advice. Take Purdue -5.5 (-105) and even take the under 136 (-110). Purdue is 6-14 on the over/under, and their defense is that good.
Do not overthink this game. Sure, Michigan upset Purdue in a similar situation around this time last year, but this Wolverines team is worse. Purdue will blow Michigan out and send students heading to the stands well before the clock expires.
We should be in for one of the better NCAA basketball games today, Lock in your bets for Purdue -5.5 (-110). Expect the total to be low scoring as well, if you are feeling frisky.
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