Gonzaga vs. Purdue Prediction: College Basketball Picks & Odds (Nov. 2)
No. 15 Gonzaga and Purdue kick off their seasons in a matchup at the Hall of Fame Series in Las Vegas, and my Gonzaga vs. Purdue prediction has the Bulldogs covering while playing in front of a partisan West Coast crowd. This is also one of the Boilermakers’ most inexperienced teams that Matt Painter has ever coached, which is why I’m backing the Over on one of its few returning veterans’ player props.
Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Arena (TNT), with Gonzaga's squad a 5.5-point favorite and the total set at 155.5.
Gonzaga vs. Purdue picks & odds
See all of our experts' college basketball picks based on the latest college basketball odds.
| Pick | Odds | Bet size (units) |
|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga -5.5 | -108 via FanDuel | 1 unit to profit 0.93 units |
| Caden Pierce Under 6.5 rebounds | +105 via bet365 | 1 unit to profit 1.05 units |
| C.J. Cox Over 10.5 points | -120 via bet365 | 1 unit to profit 0.83 units |
Picks submitted: Oct. 31 at 9:50 p.m. ET. Odds subject to change.
Total wagered: 3 units | Profit if all picks win: 2.81 units
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
Gonzaga vs. Purdue best bet
Gonzaga -5.5 (-108 via FanDuel)
Gonzaga has a prime opportunity to earn its first win in program history over Purdue (it went 0-5 in the first five meetings), as Purdue’s roster and cohesion will be a work in progress early in the season.
The Boilermakers lost four starters: Braden Smith (NBA), Fletcher Loyer (graduated), Oscar Cluff (graduated), and Trey Kaufman-Renn (transfer). Those four were not only Purdue’s top four scorers a season ago, but they also accounted for 65% of the team’s points.
Purdue now returns players with just 41 career starts, which is tied for the fewest in Matt Painter’s 22-year tenure. That inexperience showed in a 76-53 exhibition loss to No. 4 UConn, as the Boilermakers missed their first 11 3-point attempts and finished 8% from beyond the arc.
Gonzaga also has several new faces, but I’m siding with Mark Few’s squad in what should feel like a home game.
Play to: -6.5 at -110 or better
Score prediction: Gonzaga 82, Purdue 72
Gonzaga vs. Purdue player props
Follow all of our college basketball analysis and expert predictions this season.
Caden Pierce Under 6.5 rebounds (+105 via bet365)
Purdue’s strength for much of the last decade has been on the interior, as Matt Painter either had a stable of 7-footers, or more recently, Oscar Cluff and Trey Kaufman-Renn to man the middle. With both gone, the Boilermakers allowed 15 offensive rebounds in the exhibition game to the Huskies, while getting out-rebounded by six overall.
Gonzaga’s Izan Almansa only received his eligibility two weeks ago, so it wasn't surprising to see him come off the bench in the first two exhibition games. But the 6-foot-10 forward from Spain has shown great toughness and physicality in limited action. He and the rest of the Bulldogs frontcourt should overwhelm a patchwork Purdue frontcourt led by Caden Pierce, who grabbed just five boards combined in the two exhibition games played at Mackey Arena.
Play to: 6.5 (-125)
C.J. Cox Over 10.5 points (-120 via bet365)
Matt Painter’s team is not ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time in 80 weeks because of the unknown surrounding his inexperienced roster. Thus, he should rely on C.J. Cox often, as the junior guard is responsible for 39 of the team’s returning 41 starts.
Cox was seemingly the only Boilermakers player who wasn’t intimidated in the game against UConn. He led the team with 18 points (and was the only Purdue player to score in double figures) and tied for the team lead in rebounds (seven). And though he was one of three Boilermakers to attempt at least three 3-pointers, he also showed a willingness to attack the paint and drew a team-high four free throw attempts.
Play to: 12.5 (-110)
Live Gonzaga vs. Purdue odds
See the latest odds movement and more on our Gonzaga vs. Purdue matchup page.
Latest Gonzaga vs. Purdue injuries
As of this writing, neither Gonzaga nor Purdue have reported any significant injuries prior to this matchup.
How to watch Gonzaga vs. Purdue
- Date: Monday, Nov. 2
- Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas, Nev.)
- TV/Streaming: TNT
Related Articles
