Indiana Basketball Game Preview: Purdue – key storylines, injury report, how to watch

Indiana basketball hits the road for the second time this week against No. 2 Purdue as the program continues its 124th season of competition. Hoosiers are coming off a big road win at Ohio State this past Tuesday night.

The second-ranked Boilers (21-2, 10-2) are one of two teams (UConn) to receive first place votes in both the Associated Press and Coaches Polls in each of the last two weeks.

Reigning National Player of Year Zach Edey averages team highs in points (23.1 per game), rebounds (11.7), and blocks (2.3). He has posted 16 double-doubles. Sophomore guard Braden Smith averages 12.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game on 42.1% (32-of-76) shooting from the 3-point line.

As a team, Purdue shoots 40.1% (198-of-494) from behind the 3-point line, the highest clip in the Big Ten. The 198 makes (8.6 per game) rank second in the conference.

Tip is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET on FOX.

Below is the full preview of Indiana basketball at Purdue.

Key Storylines

Bounce back game for Kel’el Ware in multiple ways 

For the sake of this storyline, we are going to assume that Kel’el Ware is available for tonight’s game at Purdue.

Obviously, there is a lot of opportunity here for this Indiana team, but from a player focused area of this game, this is a big chance for Indiana’s sophomore center to bounce back here. The first time Ware went up against Zach Edey, the reining and back-to-back National Player of the Year proved to be the better big.

In the first meeting between the two programs, Ware has a tough time going up against Edey. Ware, who is often the biggest player on the floor nine out of ten times, was over-towered by Edey and had an incredible tough time with him. He fought foul trouble and when the final buzzer had sounded, Ware had only finished with 5 points and 6 rebounds compared to Edey’s double -double of 33 points and 12 rebounds.

“I think Ware could have done a better job in battling but he didn’t, and you know, it’s something to learn from,” said Mike Woodson after the Purdue loss last month. “The beauty about this, we’ve got to still go to Purdue and see him again, so maybe we can regroup and see what happens when we get there.”

Ware has been battling injuries for the past few weeks the performances have been up and down since. Last game, Ware once again fought foul trouble and did not have the best scoring output.

If Ware is healthy, this is a prove yourself game.

Another chapter in the Rivalry, play with pride 

Another chapter in one of the most historic basketball rivalries there ever was opens tonight and the Hoosiers could not have turned the page quicker from the time these two bitter foes faced off.

The last time we saw Indiana face off Purdue was when the Boilermakers came into Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall and beat the absolute breaks off of the Hoosiers and won by 21-points. Even though Purdue is one of the best teams in the entire country this season, it was arguably the most embarrassing performance we had seen from Indiana this season.

There was no pride, no energy, no passion…nothing from Indiana.

“The game really didn’t get out of hand until really the 8, 9 minute mark of the half. The first 10 to 11 minutes the game it was a close game,” said Mike Woodson earlier this week. “It was 2, 3 points here and there. And then we just dropped the rope right before the half. They were able to go in with a comfortable lead. Now, we got back in and cut it I think to 5 or 7 I think it was then the second half.”

“When you build big leads and get behind like that it’s tough, especially against a top team like that to battle your way back. They had their way, man. I’m just anxious to see where we are.”

No matter what the outcome is, from a rivalry standpoint only, Hoosiers have to play with pride here. Play like you are facing your biggest enemy.

A win turns this season around

The Hoosiers got their first quad one win of the season on Tuesday night when they travel to Ohio State and won. It was only the second true road win of the Hoosiers this season. They go right back on the road tonight with this game being a little bit more important and harder than the one they had on Tuesday.

A win here, however, turns this season around.

The Hoosiers have been a very inconsistent team all season. The small mistakes they make have been constant and often are the reasons that they haven’t been able to improve than what they were when they season first started. They are a bubbly team and don’t have the right resume to put them on the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble.

A lot of the Hoosiers poor losses could potentially be washed away if they somehow can come in, get the job done, and sly the giant (literally).

“Listen, we haven’t had a full deck of guys,” said Mike Woodson earlier this week to the media. “Not having X, which again he’s out indefinitely, it’s been tough in terms of shuffling guys. He’s been a big piece to the puzzle.”

“But our front line is gonna have to battle on Saturday. That’s going to be the key. And the perimeter guys are going to have to guard their perimeter guys. You know, they’re deep both ways. That’s why they sit at the top in the country.”

Read: ‘It’s a double-edged sword’: Defending Zach Edey has come with a cost for Indiana basketball — but staying ‘aggressive’ with him is the key

Series History

For the 219th time in program history, Indiana will take on archrival Purdue. The Boilermakers hold a 126-92 advantage in the series. No team has appeared on IU’s schedule more often than Purdue. Head coach Mike Woodson holds a record of 3-2 against the Boilers.

The last time the two programs met in West Lafayette, first-round draft pick Jalen Hood-Schifino led IU to a 79-71 victory on Feb. 25, 2023. The current Los Angeles Lakers guard posted 35 points, the second-most by an IU freshman in program history, to go along with seven rebounds and two assists.

Purdue has not lost in Mackey Arena since the loss to Indiana. Since the start of the start of the 202-21 season, the Boilers are 52-4 in front of the home crowd.

Watch: Mike Woodson previews Purdue

Injury Updates

Kel’el Ware: With three seconds left in the second half, Indiana center Kel’el Ware went up for an open layup but lost the ball half way up when his knee buckled on him. It was an awkward sequence for the 7-footer. On Thursday, Mike Woodson provided an update on the status of Ware heading into the weekend and said that he had been going through treatment. He is questionable at this moment.

Xavier Johnson: At the 2:12 mark late in the second half of the Iowa game, Xavier Johnson drove to the basket but was fouled hard going for the dunk. He landed awkwardly on his left arm and was screaming on the floor in excruciating pain. Johnson missed the last two games and has been seen in a heavy brace. Mike Woodson further confirmed that Xavier Johnson ‘out indefinitely’ with elbow injury.

Jakai Newton: Newton had a lower body surgical procedure done this past offseason to help fix a previous injury he sustained during high school. He is still recovering and is not expected to play for the rest of the season.

More: Trayce Jackson-Davis confident in Indiana basketball despite recent struggles: ‘They’re a lot better than what they’re showing’

Quick Hitters

Who?: Indiana (14-9) (6-6 Big Ten) at Purdue (21-2) (10-2 Big Ten)

When?: Friday, Feb. 8, 2024 • 8 p.m. ET

Where?: Mackey Arena (14,876) • West Lafayette, Ind.

TV: FOX (Gus Johnson, Jim Jackson)

Radio: IU Radio Network (Don Fischer, Errek Suhr, John Herrick)

Betting Lines: Indiana basketball is listed as a 17.5-point underdog via DraftKings Sportsbook.

See Also: Indiana basketball guard Trey Galloway previews Purdue matchup 

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