Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Purdue Boilermakers Picks and Predictions January 9th 2025

Braden Smith, No. 20 Purdue visit reeling Rutgers

When junior guard Braden Smith is in attack mode, No. 20 Purdue transforms into a formidable force, capable of taking down any opponent. As the Boilermakers prepare to face Rutgers on Thursday night in Piscataway, N.J., Smith’s brilliance will be at the forefront of their strategy.

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Braden Smith: The Engine Behind Purdue’s Success

Smith, the Big Ten Conference’s preseason Player of the Year, has been on an incredible run. Over Purdue’s three-game winning streak, he has averaged 25.3 points, 9.7 assists, and contributed across the board. In the Boilermakers’ commanding 79-61 victory over Northwestern last Sunday, Smith posted 22 points, seven assists, and six rebounds.

This season, Smith is averaging 15.4 points, 8.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, living up to the preseason hype. Purdue head coach Matt Painter highlights Smith’s aggressive mindset as a key factor in the team’s success.

“It all starts with him being hungry and shooting,” said Painter. “When he makes the right reads, we’re successful. His ability to shoot and pass the basketball is very unique.”

Smith’s leadership and skill set have kept Purdue competitive despite significant changes to their roster.

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Life After Zach Edey: Purdue’s Adaptation

Purdue’s roster looks different this season, with 7-foot-4 Zach Edey now with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. While they lack Edey’s inside dominance, the Boilermakers have adapted by becoming one of the best perimeter shooting teams in the nation. They are hitting 39.6% of their 3-point attempts, ranking 14th in Division I.

This success is largely due to their exceptional ball movement. Purdue boasts a top-tier assist-turnover ratio of 1.5, with Smith orchestrating the offense. His ability to find teammates like Trey Kaufman-Renn, the team’s leading scorer at 17.8 points per game, and guard Fletcher Loyer (14.0 ppg) has been pivotal.

Rutgers Searches for Stability in a Tough Stretch

While Purdue enters Thursday’s game on a roll, Rutgers is struggling. The Scarlet Knights have dropped three of their last four games, including a 75-63 loss to Wisconsin on Monday. Their upcoming schedule includes matchups against three Top 25 teams over the next 17 days, making this game a crucial opportunity to reset.

This season was expected to be a breakthrough for Rutgers under head coach Steve Pikiell, who welcomed prized freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. However, the team has yet to meet those expectations.

• Injuries and Illness: Harper, the team’s leading scorer at 21.1 points per game, has been limited by the flu, missing key moments in the last two games. Against Wisconsin, he played just 15 minutes and failed to score.
• Bailey’s Struggles: Bailey, averaging 19.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, managed only nine points on 3-of-16 shooting against Wisconsin. His frustration boiled over late in the game, resulting in two technical fouls and an ejection.

Despite these challenges, Pikiell remains optimistic about his team’s potential.

“I’ve got a ton of confidence in this team,” Pikiell said. “We’ve got to get Dylan Harper back, obviously. Last I checked, he’s a pretty good player. In a league like this, there are ups and downs, but that’s what you get in the Big Ten.”

Key Matchup: Braden Smith vs. Rutgers’ Defense

For Purdue, controlling the game will hinge on Smith’s ability to break down Rutgers’ defense and involve his teammates. For Rutgers, the challenge will be finding consistent offensive contributions beyond Harper and Bailey. The Scarlet Knights lack depth, with no other player averaging more than 7.7 points per game.

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What’s at Stake

• For Purdue:
  A win would solidify Purdue’s position as a top contender in the Big Ten and extend their winning streak to four games. It would also boost their confidence ahead of tougher games later in the season.
• For Rutgers:
  A victory could help the Scarlet Knights regain their footing and build momentum during a brutal stretch of the schedule. Harper’s return to form and Bailey’s consistency will be critical for their success.

Prediction

Purdue enters the matchup with the upper hand, riding Smith’s stellar form and their efficient offensive system. However, if Rutgers can exploit its home-court advantage and get strong performances from Harper and Bailey, the game could be closer than expected.

As both teams navigate the ups and downs of Big Ten play, this matchup promises to be a critical test of their resilience and adaptability.