Nov 4, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) in the second half against the Evansville Purple Aces at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Early-season college basketball games don't get much bigger than what this Thursday night is bringing when two contenders hailing from the Big Ten and SEC tip off in a game that could be a precursor to two Final Four teams.

The No. 1 team in the USA TODAY Sports men's college basketball poll, the Purdue Boilermakers (2-0), makes the trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to take on the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0) from Coleman Coliseum in a matchup that is must-see TV with both of these programs carrying national championship aspirations.

If you are looking for some betting advice for the matchup, we've got you covered. Here are the latest odds for the game, courtesy of BetMGM.

Stream Purdue vs. Alabama

Purdue vs. Alabama game odds

All college basketball odds via BetMGM

  • Spread: Alabama -3.5 (-105), Purdue +3.5 (-115)
  • Money Line: Alabama -160, Purdue +135
  • Over-Under: Over 174.5 (-110), Under 174.5 (-110)

Purdue vs. Alabama prediction, pick:

To say that Alabama has looked elite could be an understatement. The Crimson Tide is coming off a 103-96 statement win over St. John's at Madison Square Garden. They are hoisting the three-point shot, with 62 attempts through two games, although they are only shooting 30.6% from beyond the arc.

Purdue, while unbeaten, survived a massive scare at home in Mackey Arena against Oakland. The Boilermakers were in a three-point game with less than eight minutes to go before pulling away. That sort of lackadaisical effort could get them blown out by Alabama, but not to worry, they will be ready to go.

The guard play in this game is just incredible. Alabama has Labaron Philon Jr., Aden Holloway, and Latell Wrightsell leading the way, while Purdue is led by Braden Smith, quite possibly the best point guard in college basketball.

The Boilermakers need Fletcher Loyer to stay hot from outside with his 10-17 start from deep to match Alabama's three-point shooting. If Purdue can get contributions from its guards, they can work the paint with Oscar Cluff just enough to get a huge win on the road.

Prediction: Purdue 88, Alabama 84

Best Bet: Purdue +3.5

Purdue vs. Alabama start time, streaming:

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV Channel: ESPN2

Live Stream: ESPN App

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Purdue vs. Alabama: College basketball betting odds, prediction

Reporting by Riley Donald, College Sports Wire / College Sports Wire

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect