Nebraska vs. Indiana Odds
| Nebraska Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+12 -110 | 134 -110o / -110u | +600 |
| Indiana Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-12 -110 | 134 -110o / -110u | -900 |
Can coach Fred Hoiberg's Nebraska Cornhuskers continue the momentum from their surprising win over Creighton as they open conference play in Bloomington?
Or will Indiana rebound from a tough loss on the road against Rutgers?
Nebraska Cornhuskers
The strange circumstances are still cloudy regarding Derrick Walker's absence in Nebraska's first five games of the season.
But if Sunday's upset victory over Creighton is any indication, his presence may make all the difference for the Cornhuskers this year.
In only 23 minutes on Sunday, Walker led Nebraska in scoring with 22 points at an efficient clip of 11-for-16 from the floor. The 6-foot-9 Walker also has taken on ball-handling duties since his return, as Nebraska has really struggled to find a trustworthy point guard thus far.
Assuming Walker can continue to increase his minutes as his presumed ailments diminish, he will drive Nebraska's level of success as the year develops.
The Cornhuskers' mediocre backcourt luckily won't be facing its toughest test against Indiana. Like Nebraska, Indiana has struggled to find reliable guard play early in the season.
However, Indiana truly boasts one of the best frontcourts in the entire country. Nebraska profiles as simply a much less talented, or "off-brand" version of the Hoosiers.
Sam Griesel has become the de facto point guard for Hoiberg's squad. The 6-foot-7 senior has struggled with turnovers at times this year, particularly against the suffocating defenses of St. John's, Oklahoma and Memphis.
Coming off three consecutive wins and seven assists against two turnovers vs. Creighton, Griesel's confidence may be growing, though.
Still, the intimidating environment of Assembly Hall will test his confidence and composure.
Indiana Hoosiers
The Hoosiers and their opponent Tuesday night could not be entering the contest on more opposite ends of the momentum spectrum.
Indiana lost its first game of the year at the RAC on Saturday, and it wasn't particularly close.
Coach Mike Woodson said bluntly that his team was "out-toughed." A public statement from a head coach such as the one Woodson made has to read as a challenge to the team's leadership.
A different tone must be set from Tuesday night's tip.
The undisputed leader of Woodson's team is preseason National Player of the Year candidate Trayce Jackson-Davis. "TJD" is a double-double machine at 6-foot-9, 245 pounds and challenges defenses with his left-handed dominance.
I would expect him to lead from the front against a lesser opponent and back in his home setting. Jackson-Davis' leadership may not necessarily be shown in the scoring column early, but he will demand touches.
If Nebraska decides to double him as soon as he touches the ball — as is expected — TJD will be happy to facilitate and dish to an open teammate.
Indiana is really balanced behind TJD's leadership, as no one player stands out from a scoring perspective.
Xavier Johnson, a 6-foot-3 senior, is not likely to be the best guard on the floor on most nights, yet I do think he will be in this one.
He has consistently averaged about 1.5 steals per game throughout his college career, but I would anticipate two or more from him against Nebraska's underwhelming backcourt.
His full defensive effort should be extracted from his coach's disappointment after a double-digit loss on Saturday.
Nebraska vs. Indiana Betting Pick
The defensive effort should be there on both ends.
Naturally, you may think that would imply an under pick from me. However, I think Indiana's anticipated effort level after its first loss of the year coupled with its superior talent factors into this over selection.
How so?
- Indiana should be able to force turnovers against a weak Nebraska backcourt, especially in Assembly Hall with an energetic home crowd.
- Indiana's effort level should lead to more offensive rebounds and it will attack the rim, resulting in more fouls drawn plus free throws.
- Nebraska may face more on-ball pressure than it has seen recently, which can lead to hectic possessions and a sped-up tempo.
I would feel comfortable taking the over up to 135.5 and would consider leaning towards taking Indiana first half, as I'm anticipating its best effort.
