🏀 Indiana vs. Purdue Prediction & Odds: College Basketball Picks Today (Feb. 20)

One of the best rivalries in college basketball takes place tonight as No. 7 Purdue looks to avenge its loss from earlier in the season against an Indiana team on the NCAA Tournament bubble.

The Boilermakers are an 11.5-point betting favorite from Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind., for tonight's 8 p.m. ET tip (FOX). As part of our college basketball predictions for tonight, my Indiana vs. Purdue prediction expects Braden Smith and Co. to shine at home.

🏀 Indiana vs. Purdue picks & odds today: Feb. 20

See all of our experts' college basketball picks based on the latest college basketball odds; picks rated on a 1-to-5 star confidence scale based on betting value.

Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: 3.09 units

💰 Indiana vs. Purdue prediction & best bet

Purdue -11.5 (-108)

While Indiana did beat Purdue earlier this season, the Boilermakers always struggle in Assembly Hall ... just like the Hoosiers always struggle at Mackey. Since 2013, Indiana is 1-9 against Purdue in West Lafayette, and IU's defense isn't equipped to change that against a Boilermakers offense ranked No. 2 in adjusted efficiency. 

Purdue's only losses in Mackey this season have come against teams ranked in the top 10, and the Boilermakers have beaten their last three unranked opponents by an average of 18.3 points.

Indiana has lost all three of its road games against ranked teams this season by double digits.

Score prediction: Purdue 85, Indiana 72

🔥 Best Indiana vs. Purdue player prop bet

Braden Smith 10+ assists (+125)

One of the greatest passers in the history of college basketball, All-American Braden Smith, sits fifth all-time in assists (986). He's No. 2 in the country in APG (8.8) and is 91 away from breaking Bobby Hurley's career record.

He can cut into Hurley's lead against a Hoosiers defense that's allowing 79.1 PPG against ranked opponents, including 85.2 away from home.

With Fletcher Loyer's 3-point shooting heating up and the frontcourt combo of Trey Kaufman-Renn and Oscar Cluff providing a mismatch against IU's small-ball lineup, Smith can hit double digits for the third time in four games.

🚀 Indiana vs. Purdue same-game parlay

Purdue has one of the best offenses in the country and should be able to light up an inconsistent Indiana defense. The Hoosiers have enough offense to score into the 70s, but Smith and Co. can pull away in the second half. 

💡 How I'm betting Indiana vs. Purdue

Follow all of our college basketball analysis and expert predictions this season.

This isn't just the biggest game on the slate tonight; it's a massive rivalry in college basketball. That alone has me putting three units on the game knowing I'll be watching, but the fact that the Hoosiers struggle so much at Mackey Arena and the Boilermakers have an opportunity for revenge makes it a must-play.

Purdue's offense has been clicking since its loss to Indiana, and the Hoosiers can't seem to keep up with any high-end teams away from home. With that in mind, I'm willing to take Purdue to cover up to -12.5 and the Over at any number below 154.5.

📊 Live Indiana vs. Purdue odds

Despite losing its last matchup against Indiana, Purdue opened as a 10.5-point betting favorite at home. The line has since shifted to Boilermakers -11.5, but I don't expect it to climb any higher. The Hoosiers have been getting beaten up against ranked teams on the road, but given the rivalry and last game's outcome, I don't see the public betting Purdue enough to move this line.

📈 Indiana vs. Purdue betting trends

📺 How to watch Indiana vs. Purdue

• Date: Friday, Feb. 20
• Tipoff: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: Mackey Arena (West Lafayette, Ind.)
• TV: FOX