CBB: 10 Storylines to watch in upcoming Big Ten Tournament

1) Johnny Davis likely to play despite ankle injury: The sophomore guard has elevated to a national player of the year candidate, in addition to being a lock for the lottery, because of his smooth scoring ability and lethal mid-range game. Davis left the loss to Nebraska with a sprained left ankle but Greg Gard is optimistic he will return this week as Wisconsin awaits their opponent in the quarterfinals. Davis ranks third in the Big Ten with 20.0 points per game.

2) Illinois looks to repeat behind big man Kofi Cockburn: After clinching a share of the regular season championship on Sunday night with a comeback win over Iowa, the Fighting Illini are hoping to win a second consecutive tournament title. Illinois has the second best odds (+270) to take home the crown according to FanDuel and Cockburn is the biggest reason why. The 7'0 center will definitely be the most physically dominant player in Indianapolis.

3) Keegan Murray makes Iowa a dangerous contender: Davis is likely going to be named Big Ten Player of the Year but no one has been hotter than Murray recently. The 6'8 forward scored 20+ points in 10 of his last 11 games including back to back 30+ point performances in February. Murray is so difficult to defend because of his combination of NBA-ready footwork and length. Iowa is 18-4 when the Big Ten's scoring leader goes for more than 20 points.

4) Purdue pushes for second tournament title in school history: According to FanDuel, the Boilermakers are favorites (+200) to win their second ever Big Ten Tournament championship despite losing twice in the last 10 days and finishing third in the standings at 14-6. Jaden Ivey makes this offense go with 17.2 points and 3.0 assists per game but Matt Painter will also need Zach Edey and Trevion Williams to play well in order to pull off multiple victories.

5) Indiana still sits squarely on the bubble: Following a pair of losses to end the regular season, the Hoosiers remain on the wrong side of the bubble and desperately need to take down Michigan on Thursday morning. Trayce Jackson-Davis averages a team-high 17.4 points and 8.2 rebounds and will lead the way against the Wolverines frontcourt. Indiana is 3-7 in their last 10 games as they look to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016.

6) Michigan State needs more from Max Christie: Tom Izzo's club picked up a huge win at home over Purdue in late February but the Spartans have struggled over the last few weeks and Christie's scoring woes could be a concern going forward. The freshman guard reached double figures in 10 out of 12 games in December and January but did so just twice since while hitting 5/31 shots from 3-point range. Michigan State could make a run if Christie gets back on track.

7) Moussa Diabate has to be a difference maker: Michigan is arguably the most inconsistent team in the Big Ten which is why they are fighting for a bid with less than a week until Selection Sunday. Juwan Howard leans on Hunter Dickinson, Caleb Houstan and a senior backcourt but Diabate is the biggest difference maker. The 6'11 freshman has infectious energy and is extremely active in the paint and on the glass but has a tendency to get in foul trouble or disappear for stretches.

8) Ron Harper Jr. has Rutgers on right side of bubble: Despite surprising non-conference losses to Lafayette and UMass, the Scarlet Knights look to be on the verge of clinching a spot in the NCAA Tournament for a second year in a row. Rutgers is 18-12 and has notable wins over Purdue, Iowa, Michigan State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. Harper has been the catalyst all year long and will be instrumental in a potential rematch with Iowa on Friday night.

9) Ohio State aims to avoid another March collapse: Chris Holtmann's team reached the Big Ten championship game last year but lost in overtime against Illinois before falling short in a shocking first round loss to Oral Roberts in the NCAA Tournament. One year later and the Buckeyes look headed for an underwhelming month. EJ Liddell and Malaki Branham have the talent to carry them on a deep run but that seems unlikely unless Zed Key and Kyle Young are healthy.

10) Bryce McGowens limited in practice prior to trip: Nebraska meets Northwestern in the first round opener on Wednesday night but it's unclear if the star freshman will be available. The 6'7 guard injured his hand in an upset win at Ohio State last week and Fred Hoiberg told Rivals "He was sore today and did not do a lot in practice but he’s feeling a lot better than he did yesterday, which is obviously a great sign." McGowens leads Big Ten freshman with 17.2 points.

Photo Credit: New York Post.