A season that started with high expectations in Bloomington after Indiana's opening victory over Kansas has been grounded by a bevvy of injuries to the Hoosiers. Star forward OG Anunoby is out for the season and James Blackmon Jr. is out indefinitely with an injury. Juwan Morgan has finally returned after missing several games. All that has lead to an underwhelming start in conference play with a bleak outlook for the rest of the regular season.
Tom Crean's team looks to get back on track and end its two-game losing streak Sunday, but No. 10 Wisconsin stands in the way of that.
Here's how you can catch the game on TV or streaming online, along with key matchups to watch and picks for the game.
Viewing information
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Where: Kohl Center, Madison, Wisconsin
TV: CBS
Live stream (computer): Desktop link
Live stream (mobile): CBS Sports mobile app
Scouting report
In the absence of OG Anunoby, Indiana has struggled defensively, averaging 80 points against over its past three games. Offensively, Blackmon followed up his 33-point night against Michigan State with a 4-point outing before suffering an injury. He's averaging 17.6 points, but just 13.8 points in losses. If he's out against Wisconsin, it will be a big blow to a team that has been challenged with injuries and has grown to rely on his scoring.
Wisconsin, on the other hand, has emerged as a legitimate contender in the Big Ten behind the emergence of young center Ethan Happ. The 6-foot-10 sophomore leads the team not only in scoring, but also in steals and blocks. With the inside presence of Nigel Hayes and his ability to navigate the paint as a scorer and distributor, the two make a dynamic duo difficult to defend in the paint -- a weakness for Indiana.
Matchups to watch
Indiana's front court even without Anunoby is still a talented, young squad. The 6-10 Thomas Bryant is a long, athletic defender who averages 1.5 blocks. Zach McRoberts is young, but he plays like a vet and has the ability to step out and defend outside the paint.
Indiana will need big games from both McRoberts and Bryant in this one. Wisconsin has the best rebounding defense in the Big Ten, so second-chance opportunities might be hard to come by for the Hoosiers.
Odds and pick
SportsLine odds: Wisconsin -12.5
SportsLine projection: Wisconsin 73, Indiana 68
Pick: Wisconsin -12.5
Wisconsin's offense isn't exactly built to blow teams out. The Badgers rank 152nd in total scoring offense, and have only scored more than 80 points twice in Big Ten play. Yet Wisconsin at home has been a different animal, notching an 18.5-point average margin of victory in Madison. I think facing a wounded Indiana team will continue that home domination. Take Wisconsin -12.5.