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There are a lot of Big Ten basketball games each week. And that can make the task of figuring out which matchups are worth watching somewhat labor-intensive. So we’re doing the work for you.

Specifically, we’re narrowing it down to the best 3 B1G games. Because things always go best when measured in multiples of 3.

This week, first-place Illinois gets the spotlight thanks to a pair of road games that could turn the Big Ten title race upside down — or solidify the Fighting Illini at the top.

Without further ado, here’s our B1G 3 for the week of Feb. 15-20, ranked in order of entertainment value.

No. 12 Illinois (18-6, 11-3) at No. 19 Michigan State (18-6, 9-4)

When: Saturday, Noon ET, ESPN

Why it’s B1G: This is a must-win for the Spartans if they plan on collecting their 4th Big Ten title in the past 5 years.

Illinois already leads by a game in the loss column, and has a 56-55 win over the Spartans in Champaign on Jan. 25. The rematch isn’t likely to look much like that contest.

Kofi Cockburn was out for the Illini, and Michigan State center Marcus Bingham took advantage for 13 points, 6 boards and 4 blocks.

Despite being without its best player, Illinois led by double digits most of the second half before the Spartans stormed back in the final 5 minutes. Illinois point guard Trent Frazier was the difference-maker, vastly outplaying counterparts AJ Hoggard and Tyson Walker.

However, Hoggard and Walker each had arguably their finest performances of the year in Saturday’s win over Indiana. If that becomes a habit instead of a blip, it completely changes what Michigan State is capable of doing the rest of the way.

No. 15 Wisconsin (19-5, 10-4) at Indiana (16-8, 7-7)

When: Tuesday, 9 p.m., ESPN2

Why it’s B1G: Suddenly, every game is big for the Hoosiers.

Indiana was looking good on Groundhog Day, sitting at 16-5 overall. Not only was the NCAA Tournament seemingly a sure thing, but IU even had an opportunity to play its way into the Big Ten title race.

Instead, Indiana is 0-for-February. And its 2-6 record against Quad 1 opponents isn’t exactly the ultimate tourney résumé booster.

We aren’t quite in must-win territory yet, but the Hoosiers certainly need another Quad 1 win or two if they want to bolster their case. Given that those other opportunities are at Ohio State and Purdue, this is the game Indiana needs to put in the bank.

There is plenty on the line for Wisconsin as well. Given Illinois’ schedule, the Badgers have an opportunity to move into first place by the end of the week.

The first meeting between these teams has largely defined both of their seasons. Seemingly on its way to its first win at Wisconsin since 1997, Indiana blew a 20-point lead to the Badgers on Dec. 8.

Wisconsin has taken the confidence of that win into Big Ten title contention, while Indiana might be in the process of squandering an NCAA tournament bid it appeared to have in the bag.

No. 12 Illinois (18-6, 11-3) at Rutgers (15-9, 9-5)

When: Wednesday, 7 p.m., BTN

Why it’s B1G: The suddenly streaking Scarlet Knights have beaten a school-record 3 straight ranked opponents, and have the Illini in their sights as No. 4.

For Illinois, there will obviously be a desire to avoid losing its 1-game cushion over Michigan State before heading to East Lansing.

Illinois wiped the floor with Rutgers when they met in Champaign on Dec. 3, potentially never breaking a sweat in an 86-51 win.

However, that was a much different Rutgers team than the one we are seeing now. The Scarlet Knights were fresh off dropping 3 straight to DePaul, Lafayette and UMass. Their season was on the precipice of swirling down the toilet.

A week later, Rutgers beat Purdue at Jersey Mike’s Arena, and the turnaround has effectively been underway since. The Scarlet Knights have also beaten Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State in Piscataway, so Illinois is in for a test.

Honorable mention

Michigan at Wisconsin (Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS): Last week we put Ohio State at Rutgers in our top honorable mention spot, and it ended up being the best game of the week. It wouldn’t be a surprise if this game produces a similar thrill factor.

Michigan needs 5 or 6 more wins to get to the NCAA Tournament, and with only 7 games remaining before the Big Ten tourney, now is the time to start getting them.

Iowa at Ohio State (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., FOX): Winter weather prevented this game from being played on Feb. 3, so now the Buckeyes and Hawkeyes get to make it up on a major Saturday stage.

The matchup of Ohio State’s EJ Lidell and Iowa’s Keegan Murray — both Big Ten player of the year candidates — might be the most fun individual showdown we see this season. Even if you don’t care what the other 8 guys on the floor are doing, you’ll want to tune in for those 2.