Purdue vs. Northwestern Prediction and Odds (Boilermakers Set to Roll)

It's been an up-and-down week for Purdue, who blew out Big Ten rival Illinois at home, but followed it up with a double digit loss to Michigan on the road and a hyper concerning effort against Maryland at home on Super Bowl Sunday.

They will look to get back on track against a Northwestern team that has shown signs of competitiveness this season despite a shaky conference record (5-9). Can they hang around in the second matchup between these two teams?

Here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook:

Purdue vs. Northwestern Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Purdue: -5.5 (-110)
• Northwestern: +5.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Purdue: -230
• Northwestern: +180

Total: 146.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Purdue vs. Northwestern Prediction and Pick

There are causes for concern for Purdue long term on the defensive end, but I do believe they are in a great bounce back spot after needing some late Jaden Ivey magic to pull out a win as 16-point favorites against Maryland over the weekend.

Ivey didn't play in the first meeting at Mackey Arena, but that didn't stop the Boilermakers from an 80-60 victory over the Wildcats. The future NBA lottery pick gives the team a downhill threat to score against a sputtering Wildcats defense that has seen their two-point defense take a step back in conference play, but also a year long issue of defending the perimeter.

Ivey's quick first step opens up the floor for the likes of Sasha Stefanovic (41% from three) to gash a NW defense that allows a top 100 three-point rate and opponents to hit nearly 37% of them in conference play.

Northwestern has been able to hang with the likes of Wisconsin and Illinois in Big Ten play, but Purdue's high powered offense may be too much for them to overcome, especially after a shaky pair of performances.

LEAN: Purdue -5.5

All of Reed's college basketball plays can be tracked here, his best bets column for college basketball is 62-57-3 for +2.2 units.