Today's top games to watch, best bets, odds: Indiana at No. 7 Purdue, Clippers at Lakers and more
CBS Sports
by
Gene Menez
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Purdue and Indiana are set to clash in a highly anticipated college basketball game on Friday night, with Purdue entering as 11.5-point favorites despite their recent loss to Michigan. The Boilermakers, ranked No. 7 in the nation, face a crucial test against their rivals, the Hoosiers, who have already beaten them once this season. With Purdue's conference title hopes fading and Indiana fighting to secure an NCAA Tournament spot, both teams are motivated to deliver a strong performance at Mackey Arena.
In NBA action, the Dallas Mavericks will look to end their nine-game losing streak as they face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves have been formidable at home, boasting one of the best defensive ratings in the league, while the Mavs are struggling without rookie star Cooper Flagg, who is sidelined with a foot injury.
For college basketball fans, Friday also features VCU's clash against No. 18 Saint Louis in the Atlantic 10. The Billikens, currently leading the conference, aim to rebound from a surprising loss to Rhode Island, while VCU has won 10 straight games and is looking to close the gap on their rivals. This game promises intense competition as both teams fight for conference supremacy.
Sports fans have plenty of options to bet on Friday, with key matchups offering opportunities to cash in on predictions. From Purdue's high-powered offense against Indiana's defensive struggles to the Timberwolves' home-court advantage against Dallas, these games promise excitement and strategic betting opportunities for sports enthusiasts.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/20/2026