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College Basketball

Rutgers vs. Indiana Predictions, Odds

6 minute read


  • January 24, 2021
  • By Thom Cunningham
  • VegasInsider.com

A Big Ten game, with possible March Madness bubble implications on the line, sees the Rutgers Scarlet Knights face the Indiana Hoosiers. Tip is set for noon (ET) and will air on the Big Ten Network.

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WHERE TO BET RUTGERS-INDIANA

Rutgers-Indiana Betting Odds

Line Movements

  • Spread: Indiana -5
  • Money-Line: Indiana -250 Rutgers +194
  • Total: 131.5

Odds Subject to Change

Indiana is the home favorite, given a -5-point spread which has already dropped to -4 with some sportsbooks. The Hoosiers have covered 10 of 15 games this season, while Rutgers has covered just five of 13 games.

The point total is a somewhat low 131.5, as Rutgers has gone OVER in seven games this season. Indiana is essentially split on the point total trend, going 7-8 so far this year.

Betting Analysis – Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

  • SU: 7-6
  • ATS: 5-7-1
  • SU - Home: 6-3
  • SU - Away: 1-3
  • O/U: 7-5-1

This is a massive game for the Scarlet Knights, as the team is on a current five-game losing streak. If they're not careful, it could get out of hand and Rutgers (as crazy as this is to say out loud) might miss March Madness. There is an understanding that playing in the Big Ten this season warrants a pass for losing streaks.

However, the Scarlet Knights lost their last game to Penn State, which will speak louder to the committee than the conference Rutgers plays in. They must turn it around soon, and it starts with Ron Harper, Jr.. The once Wooden Award candidate has seen a massive hit in offensive production lately.

He was able to score 18 points against Penn State, but prior to that he scored 13 points or fewer in four straight games. Also, 18 points isn't exactly a great night for the player Harper is. He should be able to score 20 on almost any given night, and should know by now that he needs to at least touch 20 for Rutgers to have a chance to win.

Montez Mathis is the specific name that must play better in order for Rutgers to get out of this funk, though. Mathis scored 13 points or more in eight of his first nine games this season. He has scored eight points or fewer in four straight games.

We can break down the numbers all day. Rutgers steals the ball well (8.1 per game ranks 56th), blocks well (4.8 per game ranks 27th), passes well (15.2 assists per game ranks 86th) and make easy buckets (21.8 two-pointers made per game ranks 24th). It all comes down to the top players for Rutgers all playing well on the same night. Until that happens, the losing streak will continue.

Betting Analysis – Indiana Hoosiers

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

  • SU: 9-6
  • ATS: 10-5
  • SU - Home: 5-3
  • SU - Away: 4-3
  • O/U: 7-8

Indiana is riding high after a solid win in Iowa City, a place the Hawkeyes won 23 of 24 prior to the upset. A huge win for Indiana now sees them at home against a struggling, but talented, Rutgers team. Beware of the trap game, especially with an early tip time at noon (Rutgers is in New Jersey so will feel later for them).

Indiana is all about one man, Trayce Jackson-Davis. He averages an insane 20.6 points per game with 8.8 rebounds. He also averages 1.8 blocks per game, which leads the Hoosiers and helps them rank 28th nationally in blocks per game (4.1).

He has scored 22 points or more in four of his last five games, and has seen 21 points or more in 10 of the Hoosiers 15 games this season. Armaan Franklin and Aljami Durham are producing well also, each averaging a double-digit point total per game.


Inside the Stats – Rutgers Scarlet Knights

  • PS/G: 73.4 (153rd)
  • PA/G: 71.2 (205th)
  • Off Rtg: 104.6 (125th)
  • Def Rtg: 101.5 (243rd)

Inside the Stats – Indiana Hoosiers

  • PS/G: 73.1 (159th)
  • PA/G: 67.7 (114th)
  • Off Rtg: 103.8 (142nd)
  • Def Rtg: 96.1 (128th)

Key Players to Watch

  • RUTG - Ron Harper, Jr. (18.6 PPG, 6 RPG)
  • RUTG - Jacob Young (15.2 PPG, 4.2 APG)
  • IND - Trayce Jackson-Davis (20.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG)
  • IND - Armaan Franklin (12.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG)

Rutgers-Indiana Predictions

Indiana has the momentum, is playing at home and covers more times than not. However, the emotional high after a road win against Iowa and a desperate Rutgers team doesn't bode well for the Hoosiers. Playing at noon is a bit worrisome as well, but Indiana is at home and so SU seems to be safer than the -5, as Rutgers can cover a close game.

The point total being a bit low is worth a take, and should clear the 131.5. Rutgers defense is woeful to say the least, so Indiana should touch 70 minimum. With the thought Rutgers keeps the game within 10 points, the OVER should hit.

  • Score Prediction: Indiana 74 Rutgers 69
  • Best Bets: OVER
  • Best Bets: Indiana SU

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