Simulation Picks
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Understanding Public and Money
Read More
Expert Picks
This matchup opened with a 10-point spread and has shrunk with forward Vince Edwards, Purdue's premier rebounder and No. 2 scorer, doubtful with a bad ankle. Despite the considerable talent difference without Edwards, the number could easily be smaller. The Boilermakers have dropped three of their previous four straight-up and and haven't covered in seven straight. Illinois is awful on the road -- 0-9 straight-up in true away games -- but decent at home. On Senior Night, the Illini should put up enough of a fight to stay within the line.
My projection model sees Purdue at least 16 points better than struggling Illinois on Thursday. The Boilermakers have struggled of late, and are 0-7-1 ATS in their past eight. But I see them taking care of business against an Illinois club that has been competitive in spurts but appears to be fading as the season winds down.