1. Michigan (23-7, 15-3 Big Ten)

Strengths: Nik Stauskus, experience (Final Four last year)

Weaknesses: Rebounding, forcing turnover

X-Factor: Whether the shots fall. If Michigan shoots like it did against Illinois on March 4, it can beat anyone in the country by double digits. If they slump like they have before, the Wolverines look much more beatable.

Postseason outlook: The Wolverines are currently a two-seed in the NCAA tournament, and after winning the Big Ten by three games, they could be in contention for a No. 1 seed if they win the Big Ten Tournament.

2. Wisconsin (25-6, 12-6)

Strengths: Depth, momentum (won eight of last nine), experience

Weaknesses: Rebounding, possible matchups with Minnesota, Michigan State or Iowa

X Factor: Ball movement. The difference for the Badgers will whether they can move the ball like they did early in the season and in recent weeks. They can’t let Sunday’s loss to Nebraska throw them off their game.

Postseason outlook: The Badgers are a lock for the NCAA tournament at this point, but winning the Big Ten Tournament would put Wisconsin in the discussion for a No. 1 seed.

3. Michigan State (23-8, 12-6)

Strengths: Finally healthy, Tom Izzo, experienced team

Weaknesses:  Full team hasn’t played together, history of injury

X-Factor: Adreian Payne. Payne has been hot in the last two games but was basically nonexistent in the loss to Illinois. If he doesn’t show up, Michigan State can easily be slain.

Postseason outlook: The Spartans have done a little bit of damage to themselves in recent weeks, and their seed may suffer for it. It’s unlikely that Tom Izzo’s streak of getting all four-year players to a Final Four will continue.

4. Nebraska (19-11, 11-7)

Strengths: Reenergized program, Terran Petteway, momentum (won 10 of its last 12)

Weaknesses: Little postseason experience, matchups (Could draw Ohio State), Huskers offense (ranks 10th in Big Ten)

X Factor: Strong offense. Nebraska is the darling of the Big Ten this year, but the Huskers need to play their best basketball if they want to avoid a quick exit. The offense has run through Terran Petteway and Shavon Shields all season. That needs to continue this week.

Postseason outlook: As of now, it would appear the Huskers are on the inside looking out. But a quick exit from the Big Ten Tournament could allow another team, in the Big Ten or otherwise, to slip into the field above them. If Nebraska wins its first game, it should be fine, but a loss will have Husker fans nervous on Selection Sunday.

5. Ohio State (23-8, 10-8)

Strengths: Thad Matta, Aaron Craft, history (won three of last four)

Weaknesses: Offense, momentum (lost two of last three to Indiana, Penn State)

X-Factor: Lenzelle Smith, Jr. It’s important for Smith, Jr. to produce on offense, so Ohio State is able to get some points behind leading scorer LaQuinton Ross. So far, Smith has been No. 2, and if he can keep up the scoring, the Buckeyes could go far.

Postseason outlook: The Buckeyes are in the NCAA tournament, but this will help determine their seed. They have showed they can defend. The only question is whether they can score at a consistent level to win games.

6. Iowa (20-11, 9-9)

Strengths: Roy Devyn Marble, rebounding efficiency, scoring (leads Big Ten)

Weaknesses: Downward spiral (lost five of its last six), pressure from fan base

X-Factor: Defense. The Hawkeyes are near the top of the Big Ten in almost every statistical category, but they need to shore up their defense, which has surrendered 70 points in six of the last seven games.

Postseason outlook: At 20-11 and 9-9 in Big Ten play in 2012-13, Iowa missed out on the NCAA tournament. The Hawkeyes don’t figure to be on the bubble this year, but a win or two could make a big difference in where they are seeded.

7. Minnesota (19-12, 8-10)

Strengths: Guard play, something to play for

Weaknesses: Not particularly good at anything, something to lose

X-Factor: The bubble factor. Will the Golden Gophers come out ready to play because of their place on the bubble? Or will they be nervous about losing their spot in the NCAA tournament? The way they play decides their chances.

Postseason outlook: The Golden Gophers are a bubble team but could guarantee themselves a tourney spot with two wins in the Big Ten Tournament. Any less, and they’re sweating it out on Sunday.

8. Indiana (17-14, 7-11)

Strengths: Yogi Ferrell, emergence of freshmen Noah Vonleh and Troy Williams

Weaknesses: Inexperience, turnover (last in Big Ten in turnover margin)

X-Factor: Yogi Ferrell. Tom Crean’s squad is young, and its played like it’s young. The Hoosiers play best when the offense is run through Yogi Ferrell but not necessarily when he’s taking every shot.

Postseason outlook: With 14 losses, the Hoosiers are in a hole. Getting to the Big Ten championship game would put them on the bubble, but winning it is the only way Indiana can ensure a bid. The NIT is a more probable destination.

9. Illinois (18-13, 7-11)

Strengths: Defense, John Groce, momentum (won three of last four)

Weaknesses: Questionable offense, shallow bench, Egwu’s foul trouble

X-Factor: Play of seniors. John Groce benched seniors Jon Ekey and Joseph Bertrand prior to breaking the Illini’s eight-game losing streak, but Ekey and Bertrand have showed they can produce at a high level. If they do, Illinois could go far.

Postseason outlook: Win two and they’re on the bubble. Win three and they’re probably in. Win four and it’s a lock. If not, it looks like the Illini could be headed to the NIT.

10. Penn State (15-16, 6-12)

Strengths: consistently pesky, good free throw shooters

Weaknesses: Two-man offense (D.J. Newbill and Tim Frazier), defense (11th in Big Ten), matchup (lost to Minnesota by 18 last Sunday)

X-Factor: Defense. Penn State hasn’t had enough consistent help for D.J. Newbill and Tim Frazier offensively, but the biggest problems have been on defense for the Nittany Lions. They will need to show up like they did against Northwestern to stand a chance against Minnesota.

Postseason outlook: No team with a losing record has made the NIT since it was revamped in 2006. Penn State would need at least two wins for any consideration. The College Basketball Invitational is a possibility.

11. Northwestern (13-18, 6-12)

Strengths: Chris Collins, Drew Crawford

Weaknesses: Low-scoring offense, momentum (lost seven of last eight), history (never won a Big Ten Tournament)

X-Factor: Basketball gods. Do the basketball gods finally want Northwestern in the NCAA tournament? If so, they must have everything go their way and help the Wildcats win the tournament.

Postseason outlook: Win the tournament or bust. Likely no postseason for the Wildcats.

12. Purdue (15-16, 5-13)

Strengths: Shot blocking presence in Hammons, nothing to lose

Weaknesses: Worst defense in the Big Ten, turnovers, poor outside shooting

X-Factor: Finishing 11th or 12th ensured that Purdue would get a tough draw in the opening round. Ohio State will be a challenge. If the Boilermakers get to Friday, it will be a successful trip to Indianapolis.

Postseason outlook: Purdue would need to win a few games to be considered for the NIT. The CBI — which Purdue participated in last year — is a more likely destination.

Sean and Johnathan can be reached at [email protected].