These are two teams headed in seemingly different directions. The Indiana Hoosiers have struggled all season with backcourt issues and inconsistent play. Northwestern is a team fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives, and a win here would be huge for the Wildcats. The Wildcats have lost Ty Berry for the season with a torn meniscus.
The Hoosiers struggle to defend the three-point shot, and the Wildcats are one of the best teams in the country, knocking down three-point shots. These teams are a contrast in styles of play as the Hoosiers strength lies in the paint with Ware and Reneau.
Odds Northwestern vs Indiana
- Point Spread: Indiana -1
- Moneyline Purdue +112
- Moneyline Indiana -134
- Over/Under 138.5
These odds were updated at 5 am EST on 2/18/24; the odds came from Draft Kings.
The spread in this game is tight and the injury to Ty Berry and the fact that Northwestern has struggled on the road and Indiana is a much better team at home is why this spread sits the way it does.
Our Best Pick: Northwestern to Cover
Northwestern struggled in their first game without Berry, blowing a double-digit lead on the road to Rutgers. Bo Bouie is one of the top shooting guards in the country, and the Hoosiers’ guards have struggled. While Indiana has been better at home, they were blown out at Assembly Hall by Penn State after blowing a double-digit lead.
The Wildcats cannot afford to lose this game, as they are nearing the bubble. This game will be decided by one thing, and that’s effort. The Hoosiers have not played a complete 40-minute game yet this season. Northwestern is the best-coached team in the Big Ten, and they make few errors.
This game to me is a toss-up, but Northwestern is a team that consistently plays hard, and the Hoosiers will have issues guarding the Wildcats shooters. I look for a tight game that Northwestern takes control of midway through the second half, and that will lead them to a victory.
Tip: Northwestern to cover
- Bouie 19 PPG
- Wildcats shoot over 40 per cent from three
- Bouie to dominate
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Northwestern vs Indiana Moneyline
The value is here for betting on either team, as the game is a toss-up for the most part. The Wildcats are the better team so to get a +112 for Northwestern seems like a no-brainer.
Prediction: Northwestern 77 Indiana 71
Tip: Northwestern to cover
- Indiana at Home
- Solid Value betting on Northwesterm
- Wildcats in a must-win
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Northwestern vs Indiana Over/Under Analysis
The line seems low and I am going with the over. Northwestern should be able to score from the outside and Indiana will have their way inside which should lead to a game played in the 70s.
- Northwestern efficient on Offense
- Hoosiers can dominate the paint
- Wildcats best in the Nation shooting the Three
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Northwestern vs Indiana Spread Analysis
As you can tell from the point spread, this game is a toss-up. Indiana is a small favorite because they are at home, and the Hoosiers are 10-3 at home this season. The Wildcats have struggled on the road, and that was evident on Thursday when they blew a 13-point lead in a loss at Rutgers.
Tip: Northwestern to Cover
- Bouie will dominate
- Bog game for Ware Offense
-
Ty Berry out
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Northwestern vs Indiana Player Props
My top player props would be Boo Bouie Over 18 points, Bouie has dominated Big Ten competition this season and should have his way with the Hoosiers also.
I also like Ware at over 7 rebounds, he should have his way inside as long as he stays out of foul trouble.
Tip: Bet Boo Bouie over 18 points
- Bet Ware over 7 Rebounds
- Galloway 1+ three pointers
- Trey Galloway over 9.5 points
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Northwestern vs Indiana Head to Head
Northwestern and Indiana have not played this season. Last season the Wildcats won both games by a total of three points. Northwestern won both games in close hard fought affairs.
The Hoosiers lead the all-time series at 119-56, and their record will tell you the Hoosiers have dominated the all-time series.
Injuries and Suspensions
Kel’el Ware is questionable for the game as is Xavier Johnson. Indiana has not tipped their hand about the availability of either of these players. These will be most likely game time decisions. Purdue is healthy and ready to go for tonight’s matchup.
Northwestern Wildcats Injury Report
Indiana Hoosiers Injury Report
- Xavier Johnson(Game Time Decision)
Conclusion
My top prediction for this game is to take Northwestern, and I would take them straight up on the money line.
I love the over in this game as I look for the Wildcats to score from outside, and the Hoosiers should have their way in the paint.
My top Prop bet is to bet the Wildcats Boo Bouie over the 18 points; the odds are good value at -122.
