Northwestern vs. DePaul: How to Watch, Injury Report & Odds

· Yahoo Sports

The first major crosstown matchup of the season is here as Northwestern and DePaul prepare to meet Friday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Both teams enter the contest undefeated at 3-0, setting up an early-season matchup between two programs looking to build momentum and establish themselves as the season gets underway.

For Northwestern, the Wildcats have started the year with three consecutive double-digit victories and have looked comfortable on both ends of the floor. Head coach Chris Collins has a talented group that has shown its ability to score while also taking care of the basketball. The Wildcats are averaging just eight turnovers per game through their first three contests, while Jake West has emerged as one of the team’s biggest offensive weapons.

Visit chickenroad-game.rodeo for more information.

West is averaging 21.3 points and 8.7 assists per game, giving Northwestern an important playmaker who can create opportunities for himself and his teammates. LA Pratt has also made an immediate impact, averaging 18.3 points per game and providing another scoring option. Angelo Ciaravino has contributed on both ends of the floor, giving the Wildcats another versatile piece as they look to continue their strong start.

DePaul enters the matchup with plenty of confidence of its own. The Blue Demons have opened the season with wins over West Georgia, South Florida and Alabama A&M. Under head coach Chris Holtmann, DePaul has shown its offensive potential, particularly from beyond the arc, averaging 11.3 made three-pointers per game.

Ade Popoola has been one of the team’s biggest contributors from three-point range, leading the Big East with four made threes per game. Koree Cotton leads DePaul in scoring at 12.7 points per game, while Noah Meeusen has helped run the offense, averaging 7.5 assists per game. Layden Blocker is also coming off a strong performance against Alabama A&M, scoring a season-high 20 points in the 84-47 victory.

Both programs have promising rosters with players capable of making an impact, and Friday presents an opportunity for either team to earn an early statement win. A victory in a crosstown rivalry against another undefeated opponent could provide a significant confidence boost and give the winning team something to build on heading into the rest of November.

Northwestern has had the upper hand in the recent series, winning eight of the last nine meetings between the programs. However, DePaul leads the all-time series 21-18 and will look to change that recent trend.

With both teams sitting at 3-0, this matchup has the potential to be one of the more entertaining early-season games for both programs. Northwestern will look to protect its home floor, while DePaul hopes to leave Evanston with a statement victory in its first road game of the season.

How to Watch:

  • Date: Friday, Nov. 13
  • Time: 8 p.m. CT
  • Location: Welsh-Ryan Arena, Evanston, Illinois
  • TV Channel: Big Ten Network
  • Northwestern Radio: WGN Radio 720 and SiriusXM Channel 992
  • DePaul Radio: SiriusXM and the DePaul Blue Demons App

Betting Odds (FanDuel)

  • Spread: DePaul -1.5 | Northwestern +1.5
  • Moneyline: DePaul -118 | Northwestern +102
  • Over/Under: 139.5 points

Lines and odds via FanDuel. Odds are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. The National Council on Problem Gambling helpline is also available at 1-800-522-4700.

Injury Report

Northwestern:

Questionable

Jack Karasinski (Concussion)

Jayden Hodge (Knee) 

Luke McEldon (Personal)

DePaul:

Questionable

Amsal Delalic (Knee)

Mason Lockett (Foot)

Noah Meeusen (Ankle)

Theo Pierre-Justin (Leg)

Out

Brandon Maclin (Not injury-related)

Read full story at source