Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Purdue Boilermakers odds and best bet

If you like physical, intense basketball, the Big Ten is the place to go, and there may be no more physical or intense game than what we have Tuesday night at Mackey Arena on the campus of Purdue. 

For starters, we have the top two teams in the conference. Illinois is at the top at 10-2 and Purdue is just behind at 9-3 (tied with Wisconsin).

We also have the best collection of big man talent you are going to find on a court this season. The Illini's Kofi Cockburn is a true beast averaging 22 PPG and 11 RPG. Purdue splits their center minutes between Zach Edey and Trevion Williams, giving them super productive in the paint plus two likely NBA players there as well.

If you like contrasts in styles, Purdue is the top offensive efficiency team in the country (and in conference play), while Illinois has been the best defensive team in league games this season.

Oh, and Jaden Ivey of Purdue just might be the best guard in the country.

There are a lot of reasons to tune in for what should be a great game. 

Game Info

Illinois Fighting Illini (17-5) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (20-3)
Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022
9:00 PM ET
Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, Ind.
ESPN

Betting Odds

Spread:  Illini +6 (-110), Boilermakers -6 (-110)
Total: 146
Moneyline: Illini +195, Boilermakers -235

Best Bet

Purdue -6

The Boilermakers are the best team in the Big Ten this season, maybe the best team in the country when all is said and done. They are not perfect, though. Their defense needs a lot of improvement, but they match up really well against Illinois, which is why they beat them 96-88 in double overtime earlier in the season (oops, did I forget to mention that? - REVENGE). In that game, Purdue held Cockburn in check, just 10 points in 22 minutes before he ultimately fouled out. That is his lowest output of the season and understandable with him seeing Edey and Williams, two players equal his size all game long. That duo combined for 34 points, too.

Illinois remained in the game thanks to guard Alphonso Plummer making six three-pointers, something he has not done since. Ironically, he also made six threes when the Illini lost to Arizona, another team with the size to bother Illinois inside. Illinois is great but they need Cockburn to lead the way to be at their best

Illinois can play well and win this game but it is hard to like the spot for them Tuesday night, playing a Purdue team that can counter every bucket they make and limit their best offensive weapon. Sometimes really good teams just run into bad matchups, that is what we have here. 

Enjoy the show!