It’s hard not to be the early B1G favorite when you return your top 8 scorers.

That’s right. Matt Painter’s Purdue team is loaded, bringing back all of its starters and 3 of its top contributors off the bench.

Add in a 4-star recruit and things look good for a Boilermakers team that finished 4th in the B1G in 2020-21. The league announced the schedule on Wednesday, which is a sign that the season’s getting closer.

Here are 3 games that could define Purdue’s season.

At Indiana — Jan. 20

The Indiana game is always one to watch, especially at Assembly Hall. The atmosphere in Bloomington should be amazing, which won’t make it any easier for Purdue. Winning on the road in the B1G is important, but getting one against your in-state rival on its home court is huge down the stretch.

Considering Indiana has some depth returning, as well, this one should be circled on every Purdue fan’s calendar.

Vs. Ohio State — Jan. 30

It’s the only time Purdue and Ohio State face off — and the Boilermakers draw the home-court advantage.

Sure-fire Player of the Year candidate EJ Liddell won’t be easy to contain, but that only adds to the intrigue of this game. Purdue has the deeper roster, but Ohio State rattled off a run to the B1G tournament championship last year. This game also comes two days before another important game on the schedule, which makes it even more intriguing.

Vs. Michigan — Feb. 5

This is the big one. Purdue and Michigan looked primed to be the top two teams in the league this season (we already know Andy Katz says so.)

Mackey Arena is going to be rocking.

Juwan Howard’s Wolverines finished first in the B1G and made the Elite Eight last season as a No. 1 seed. Purdue is probably going to have to defend its home court in this game more than any other, and it’s the start of a 3-game homestand.

You won’t want to miss this one.