Purdue Boilermakers vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Picks, Predictions, Odds

Dec. 9, 2021
Joe Hedrick
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

The Purdue Boilermakers (8-0) will travel to Piscataway, New Jersey to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-4). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at Jersey Mike’s Arena and will broadcast on the Big Ten Network.

Score Prediction

Purdue 80, Rutgers 57

Best Bets

Purdue -11.5 (-110) at Westgate SuperBook

Purdue Boilermakers vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Predictions

For the first time in school history, the Purdue Boilermakers are ranked number one in the AP TOP 25 poll. With an 8-0 record, and quality wins against UNC and Villanova, the Boilermakers are a force to be reckoned with. Purdue is 6-2 ATS on the season, covering in five of their last six. Averaging 90 PPG, the total has gone over five times for an O/U record of 5-3.

Rutgers enters this matchup with a 4-4 overall record. They will look to bounce back after getting crushed in their most recent game, losing 86-51 to Illinois. The Scarlet Knights are just 1-7 ATS on the season, while the over has hit six times.

In the last 10 meetings between these two teams Purdue is 7-3, including a 107-57 victory in 2016. We should see a similar performance from the Boilermakers on Thursday night. Rutgers will be outmatched in all aspects of the game, and with a 1-7 ATS record, bettors should have no confidence backing the Scarlet Knights in this matchup.

Purdue Boilermakers vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Odds

Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change

  • Purdue -900
  • Rutgers +600
  • Purdue -13.5 (-110)
  • Rutgers +13.5 (-110)
  • Over 138.5 (-110)
  • Under 138.5 (-110)

More Odds | Futures Odds

Purdue Boilermakers vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Resources

  • Matchup: Big 10
  • Date: Thursday, December 9, 2021
  • Venue: Jersey Mike's Arena
  • Location: Piscataway, New Jersey
  • TV-Time: BTN - 7:00 p.m. ET

Purdue Boilermakers Betting Analysis

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

  • SU: 8-0
  • ATS: 6-2
  • O/U: 5-3

Purdue will look to improve their conference record to 2-0 after defeating Iowa, 77-70 this past Friday Night. Although they were able to secure a victory, they failed to cover the spread as 15.5-point favorites, and turned the ball over 17 times. Prior to that, the Boilermakers had covered in five straight games with an average winning margin of 26 points.

The Boilermaker’s offense has been electric all season. They enter this game ranked 5th in scoring (90 PPG), 9th in assists (19), and 23rd in RPG (42.5). On top of that they are shooting 53% from the field and 44% from three. The success has been led by sophomore guard, Jaden Ivey. Ivey is averaging 15.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 1.5 SPG. The total has gone over in three of the last five games for the Boilermakers.

This will be Purdue’s first road game, as all other non-home games have been played on a neutral court, including games against North Carolina and Villanova. During these matchups the defense allowed 84 points to North Carolina and 74 to Villanova. This is above their season average of holding opponents to 64 PPG.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Analysis

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

  • SU: 4-4
  • ATS: 1-7
  • O/U: 6-2

Rutgers has been a disappointment to bettors with a 1-7 ATS record. Most recently failing to cover against Illinois, in a game where they were getting 7.5 points, they lost by 35. With losses to Lafayette, Depaul, and UMass, the Scarlet Knights have yet to prove they can win the games they should, let alone hang around with the top team in the country.

Senior guard, Ron Harper Jr., has been the primary option on offense for Rutgers. Harper Jr. Is averaging 14.8 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 2.4 APG. As a team, they are scoring 65 PPG, shooting 39% from the field, and 27% from three. They do a decent job of passing the ball, averaging 15 APG (90th).

The defense is allowing 66 PPG on the season, but have allowed 78 PPG over the last three games. Sophomore center, Clifford Omoruyi, will have his hands full going up against Purdue’s 7ft 4in center,Zach Edey. Edey has averaged 15 PPG on 72% shooting this season.

Rutgers head coach, Steve Pikiell, informed the media that a “bunch of guys”, have been battling flu like symptoms (non-covid). Whether or not these players will play is unknown. When asked about the status of guard, Geo Baker (hamstring injury), Coach Pikiell says he’s hopeful, but uncertain about his status against Purdue.


Purdue has covered the spread in six of its last eight games when playing as the favorite. (AP)

Inside the Stats - Purdue Boilermakers

  • Record: 8-0
  • VI Ranking: 1
  • PS/G: 90.5 (4th)
  • PA/G: 64.9 (107th)
  • ORtg: 128.6 (1st)
  • DRtg: 92.2 (105th)

Inside the Stats - Rutgers Scarlet Knights

  • Record: 4-4
  • VI Ranking: 110
  • PS/G: 65.6 (287th)
  • PA/G: 65.9 (129th)
  • ORtg: 96.7 (268th)
  • DRtg: 97.1 (184th)

Key Players to Watch

  • PUR – Jaden Ivey - G (15.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg)
  • PUR – Zach Edey - C (15.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg)
  • RUTG – Ron Harper, Jr. - G (14.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg)
  • RUTG – Clifford Omoruyi - C (11.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg)

Purdue Boilermakers vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Conclusion

With Rutgers 1-7 ATS record to date, and the current status of the team's health, it's tough to back the Scarlet Knights in this one. Purdue has been dominant all season on both sides of the ball. They also have experience, with their top eight scorers returning from last year.

While this is the first road game for Purdue, and there is no easy matchup in the Big 10, they should be able to handle business against a Rutgers team that has yet to prove themselves. Backing the Boilermakers here.

Purdue Boilermakers vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Trends

  • Purdue has covered the spread in six of its last eight games when playing as the favorite.
  • Purdue has covered two straight games away from West Lafayette.
  • Rutgers has gone OVER in six of its last eight games.