Ohio State vs Purdue Odds, Lines, and Spread

• Big Ten conference play begins for #20 Ohio State and Purdue on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 7:00 PM ET
• The Buckeyes and Boilermakers have strong straight-up records, but neither one has a winning record against the spread
• Check out the odds for the game, as well as matchup analysis and a pick, in the article below.

#20 Ohio State takes its spotless road record to West Lafayette, Ind., on Wednesday, where Purdue and its spotless home record await a 7:00 PM ET tip-off. Something’s gotta give, right?

Okay, to be fair, the Buckeyes have played (and won) only one road game this year. But we’re still in the season of small sample sizes, so this is what we’ve got to work with. That sample will double after Wednesday’s game, which sees Ohio State favored by 4.5 points on the road.

 #20 Ohio State vs Purdue Odds

Odds as of Dec. 15.

How They’ve Fared So Far

Ohio State (5-0) has yet to lose, which is why they’ve risen into the top 20 in the NCAA Division I rankings. Their most impressive win came last week, in 90-85 fashion on the road against Notre Dame.

The Buckeyes used a balanced offensive attack, with five players finishing in double figures. They also made good on 21 of 24 free throws, a rate that goes beyond their already impressive 77.8 free throw percentage as a team (32nd in NCAA D-I). Purdue is 76th in KenPom’s current rankings, but none of the Buckeyes’ other opponents rank inside the top 200.

Purdue (4-2) has three wins against KenPom top 200 teams, but none against teams inside the top 100. What the Boilermakers do have is a pair of losses against quality opponents — a nine-point loss to No. 24 Clemson and a four-point loss to Miami (FL), KenPom’s No. 58 team.

🎬: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗗: 𝗘𝗣𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗗𝗘 𝟯

Eric Hunter Jr.'s return from injury will give the Boilermakers a big boost. pic.twitter.com/RqZ0Lr3W2N

— Purdue Men's Basketball (@BoilerBall) December 15, 2020

The Boilermakers don’t have any metrics that stick out, but they’re just a solid team all around: top 40 in adjusted offense and defense, top 30 in offensive rebound percentage owned and allowed, and top 60 in 3-pt. percentage owned and allowed. Having faced some early adversity against Clemson and Miami (FL) could be good for them.

ATS Analysis

Ohio State is 2-3 against the spread this year, but 6-4 in their past 10 when spanning back to last season. Oddly enough, both of their ATS wins were by a decent margin (eight points apiece), and yet two of their ATS losses came by 17-plus points. So oddsmakers haven’t had a perfect read on the Buckeyes yet.

👌 @ahrensjustin12 with a massive 3 for @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/hwQBY5p4dO

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) December 13, 2020

Purdue is 2-4 ATS this season, 4-6 dating back to last season. They’re on a three-game ATS losing streak, though only their loss to Clemson had a wide margin ATS (13 points).

Weighing the over/under is a guessing game too, as these teams have combined to see the over hit in six of 11 games this year.

Injury Notes

One injury of note to speak to: Ohio State forward E.J. Liddell is questionable with an illness.

Liddell’s illness is not related to COVID-19 related, the school said recently in a statement. He was among the players who was present but did not play during the Buckeyes’ game on Sunday against Cleveland State.

Meechie Johnson, E.J. Liddell and Seth Towns are present, but will not play.#OhioState pic.twitter.com/EiFxcyiYfG

— Jacob Benge (@JacobBenge) December 13, 2020

Liddell is a major factor for Ohio State, averaging 15.5 points and 7.5 assists in four games this season.

Head-to-Head Matchup

The Buckeyes and Boilermakers have played four times in the past three seasons, splitting the straight up and ATS records. In 2019-20, Ohio State won their lone matchup with Purdue, 68-52 — easily covering a 5.5-point spread.

🗣️: We know what's ahead of us. It's about continuing to grow. pic.twitter.com/XcaCy9lITF

— Purdue Men's Basketball (@BoilerBall) December 13, 2020

But Ohio State looks different this year without the presence of the Wesson brothers (Andre and Kaleb). The question mark regarding Liddell adds another layer, as does the fact the Buckeyes haven’t played anyone as good as Purdue yet. We like the Boilermakers at home in this one.

Pick: Purdue -4.5 (-106)