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Purdue vs Evansville Week 0 Betting Preview
The top-ranked Purdue Boilermakers open the 2025-26 season Monday, Nov. 4, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, facing the Evansville Purple Aces Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network.
Purdue enters the year No. 1 in the preseason poll for the first time in program history, returning All-Americans Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn alongside sharpshooter Fletcher Loyer. Evansville, coming off an 11-21 campaign, brings size and effort but lacks high-end scoring after losing point guard Tayshawn Comer to the transfer portal.
Coach Matt Painter called the preseason ranking “a great indicator of potential,” but said his group is focused on finishing No. 1 in April. Evansville coach David Ragland counters with an experienced frontcourt that includes MVC Defensive Player of the Year Connor Turnbull and forward Joshua Hughes.
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Line Movement and Odds
The Boilermakers opened -24 but have climbed to about -29 at most books, showing strong public support. The total sits near 155.5, up a point from the opener. Purdue’s moneyline is roughly -3500, Evansville around +1200.
Public money has driven most of the movement toward Purdue, while sharper bettors have taken a small early position on the under. You can monitor shifts in real time on the NCAA basketball odds page
Matchup Breakdown
Purdue Outlook:
Smith averaged 15.8 points and 8.7 assists last year, giving Purdue elite playmaking and tempo control. Kaufman-Renn added 20.1 points per game while hitting 60 percent from the floor. With transfer center Oscar Cluff joining the front line, Purdue’s size and rebounding edge are massive.
Evansville Outlook:
Turnbull and Hughes combine for rim protection and interior scoring, but the backcourt lacks proven creation. To stay competitive, the Aces must slow the pace and force Purdue into perimeter shots.
Key Stat: Purdue ranked top 10 nationally last year in assist-to-turnover ratio and rebound margin. Evansville ranked bottom 30 in effective FG% defense. Expect that gap to widen if tempo favors the Boilermakers.
If you’re looking to sharpen your handicapping approach, check out the Bettors Handbook for line-movement analysis and situational betting angles.
Injuries and Conditions
Purdue Boilermakers:
- No reported injuries. Redshirt planned for freshman Raleigh Burgess.
- Depth improved with Cluff’s arrival from South Dakota State.
Evansville Purple Aces:
- No active injuries listed entering the opener.
- Forward AJ Casey (Saint Louis transfer) expected to start after limited practice last week.
Both teams play indoors, so weather will not impact totals or pace.
Track updates on the Purdue injury report and Evansville injury report throughout game week.
Best Bets and Prediction
Purdue’s interior edge and backcourt experience point toward another early-season rout. Evansville’s lack of perimeter scoring limits comeback potential once tempo increases.
Projected Score: Purdue 84, Evansville 58
Best Bet: Purdue -29
Secondary Lean: Under 155.5 total points
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