Game card: Michigan State

Opponent:  Michigan State
Record:  23-11
Best player:  Travis Trice
Line:  Michigan State -5

Why Georgia will win:  Almost a full week off should have the Bulldogs as close to healthy as they've been since conference play began.  Marcus Thornton and Nemi Djurisic know this could be the last game of their careers, so they will come out motivated and control the paint.  Kenny Gaines should be able to take away either Trice or Valentine.

Why Georgia will lose:  Georgia may be wide-eyed, but Michigan State won't just be happy to be here.  Tom Izzo doesn't care about making the tournament - he wants to win.  A steadily improving Spartans team shouldn't have much difficulty on the big stage against a feisty but over-matched Georgia team.  If the 3's start falling for Trice and Valentine, look out.

What I think will happen:  My head says to pick Michigan State, but it's tournament time, and the tournament is all about heart, isn't it?  Georgia finds a way, 67-65.

Game card: Arkansas

Opponent:  Arkansas
Record:  25-7 (14-5)
Best player:  Bobby Portis
Line:  Not available as of this writing

Why Georgia will win:  Kenny Gaines, Charles Mann, Juwan Parker...Georgia is the walking wounded right now.  But you know who's healthy?  Marcus Thornton and Yante Maten.  Bobby Portis is Arkansas' best player, and if Thornton and Maten can contain him, the Bulldogs have a punchers chance.

Why Georgia will lose:  Arkansas is really good, and beating them is a challenge healthy.  Bobby Portis is ready for the NBA and Michael Qualls can beat you several different ways.  The Razorbacks' pace is designed to wear you down, and Georgia just doesn't have the horses in the barn.

What I think will happen:  This one probably won't be pretty.  Arkansas rolls 82-64.

Game card: South Carolina

Opponent: South Carolina
Record:  17-15 (8-12)
Best player:  Duane Notice
Line:  Georgia -2.5

Why Georgia will win:  Because they're due?  In Columbia, the Gamecocks destroyed a Bulldogs team playing without Marcus Thornton.  In Athens, South Carolina used a red-hot first half to edge a Georgia team playing without J.J. Frazier.  This time, a healthy(-ish) Georgia team gets a South Carolina team playing their third game in three days.  If the Dawgs were ever going to win one, this would be the one to win.

Why Georgia will lose:  South Carolina certainly won't lack for confidence, and Georgia still isn't all that healthy.  Not only have the Gamecocks beaten Georgia twice this year, but they've won two straight games in the SEC Tournament, including last nights thriller which they first should have won, then deserved to lose, then miraculously won.  In fact, South Carolina's only loss in the last 5 was a competitive loss to Arkansas.  They're dangerous.

What I think will happen:  I think Georgia wins.  I think.  67-58.  Maybe

Game card: Auburn

Opponent:  Auburn
Record:  12-18 (4-13) 
Best player:  KT Harrell
Line:  Georgia -6

Why Georgia will win:  Georgia is better than Auburn, and they still have something to play for.  While the Tigers are playing out the stretch, the Bulldogs are fighting for a tournament berth.  Georgia may not have beaten Kentucky, but they should have seized some confidence and momentum from the game.  If so, they'll win easily.

Why Georgia will lose:  Auburn's last win was...at Georgia.  Kenny Gaines almost certainly won't play in this game, either, and that means KT Harrell will probably get loose.  He's a guy you just can't afford to leave open.  Georgia is probably in the tournament no matter what, so they may not be mentally checked into this one.

What I think will happen:  With or without Gaines, Georgia should win this game.  Auburn has been a house of horrors, though.  Tigers win again, 68-65.

Game card: Kentucky

Opponent: Kentucky
Record:  29-0 (16-0)
Best player:  Take your pick.  Seriously, it changes almost every night.
Line:  Kentucky -10.5

Why Georgia will win:  If anyone is going to beat Kentucky before tournament time, it may just be Georgia.  This is Kentucky's last true road game, and perhaps they'll be looking ahead to their real season, which starts in about two weeks.  Georgia is approaching healthy for the first time in a long time, and if a couple of the shooters can get going, they play good enough defense to keep it close.

Why Georgia will lose:  Kentucky is, by far, the best team in the country.  They play stifling defense, they have multiple NBA big men, and their overall talent is simply overwhelming.  It is, quite frankly, not fair, and there's no reason to pick against them in any game, let alone this one.  The only reason Georgia kept it close is because Kentucky's shooters were a little off in Rupp.  Don't expect a repeat performance.

What I think will happen:  I don't think Georgia will get embarrassed.  I also don't think they'll win.  Kentucky wins 72-58.

Game card: Missouri

Opponent:  Missouri
Record:  8-20 (2-13)
Best player:  Johnathan Williams III
Line:  Georgia -14

Why Georgia will win:  Missouri's record is pretty reflective of their talent level.  They just aren't very good.  Only two players average double-figure scoring, and they've yet to win a true road game.  There's no stat to point to that says Georgia shouldn't win this game.

Why Georgia will lose:  Missouri is coming off a win against an undermanned Florida team, and they have nothing to lose, so expect them to come out firing.  Namon Wright hit 6 3-pointers against Florida and should be playing with confidence.  Then there's Georgia.  Are they looking ahead to Kentucky?  Are they feeling a little too good about the win over Ole Miss?

What I think will happen:  Do we finally get to enjoy a blowout in conference play?  Not really.  Nothing is that easy with this team.  Georgia wins, though, 72-59.

Game card: Ole Miss

Opponent:  Mississippi
Record:  19-8 (10-4)
Best player:  Stefan Moody
Line:  Ole Miss -4.5

Why Georgia will win:  They already did it once, right?  Apparently the Bulldogs are road warriors, now, taking care of business in College Station and Tuscaloosa.  They are inching back towards health, and Marcus Thornton, in particular, is looking like his old self.  Also, believe it or not, 5 of Mississippi's losses have come at home.

Why Georgia will lose:  Since the loss in Athens, Ole Miss is 8-1, and the only loss was by 1 point to a ranked Arkansas team.  It has been addition by subtraction, as the "loss" of Marshall Henderson has allowed guys like Moody and Jarvis Summers to shine.  Moody, in particular, has been on fire of late, and he does not miss from the free throw line.  Georgia won by largely holding Summers in check during the first meeting, but that's not likely to happen again.

What I think will happen:  Your guess is as good as mine.  Ole Miss is hot, and I'm betting they stay that way.  Dawgs lose 68-61.

Game card: Alabama

Opponent:  Alabama
Record:  16-10 (6-7) 
Best player:  Levi Randolph
Line:  Alabama -3.5

Why Georgia will win:  Georgia seems to be at their best when their backs are against the wall.  J.J. Frazier should be back, and it's about time Marcus Thornton rounded into pre-concussion form.  Alabama hasn't exactly been unbeatable at home, and Georgia is 5-4 in true road games.

Why Georgia will lose:  The wheels really seem to be coming off for the Bulldogs right now.  With just two wins in their last six games, they face an Alabama team with something to play for.  Injuries have taken their toll on Georgia, and while they hung tough for a while, winning on the road in Tuscaloosa is probably too much to ask at this point.

What I think will happen:  Georgia actually matches up nicely with the Tide.  It won't matter.  Alabama wins 69-59, and things start to get really uncomfortable around Butts-Mehre.

Game card: South Carolina

Opponent: South Carolina
Record:  12-12 (3-9)Best player:  Duane Notice
Line:  Georgia -6

Why Georgia will win:  Georgia's loss to Auburn was this year's how-did-that-happen home loss, so they should roll in Stegeman the rest of the way.  Even shorthanded, the Bulldogs are better than the Gamecocks.  Expect Kenny Gaines to play angry after he was beaten down the stretch by Auburn's KT Harrell.

Why Georgia will lose:  Ignoring the fact that Georgia has already lost to South Carolina, a thin Bulldogs team will be even thinner tonight without J.J. Frazier.  South Carolina is a perimeter team, so losing a perimeter player like Frazier does not bode well.  If Georgia is a sinking ship, this could be the torpedo that sends them to the bottom.

What I think will happen:  Literally nothing will surprise me tonight.  I expect a lethargic crowd and a struggling team.  I also think Georgia will rally and get a much needed win but, as usual, there will be drama.  Dawgs win 67-63.

Game card: Auburn

Opponent:  Auburn
Record:  11-13 (3-8) 
Best player:  Cinmeon Bowers
Line:  Georgia -11

Why Georgia will win:  Auburn comes in having lost 7 out of 8, many by double figures.  The Tigers are going to get better under Bruce Pearl, but the talent isn't in place yet.  Georgia put together a really nice game in College Station where they limited turnovers and mental mistakes, and the result was a big 9-point road win.  If Gaines and Mann play well for a second game in a row, the Bulldogs should win comfortably.

Why Georgia will lose:  Make no mistake:  this is a dangerous Auburn team.  They went into LSU and won, and they just dropped 87 points on Arkansas in a loss.  When they're rolling they can score with anyone.  Cinmeon Bowers is a rebounding machine, and KT Harrell is lights out from 3-point land.  If either of those guys gets going, it could be a long afternoon.

What I think will happen:  I haven't heard yet if Antoine Mason (son of Anthony) will go today.  If he does, I don't see Georgia covering a line like that.  If he doesn't (and no one would blame him),the Bulldogs should roll.  I'll split the baby and say Georgia wins 75-69.

Game card: Texas A&M

Opponent:  Texas A&M
Record:  16-6 (7-3) 
Best player:  Danuel House
Line:  Texas A&M -3

Why Georgia will win:  Texas A&M's conference record is impressive, but their wins haven't exactly been against the cream of the crop.  A good win at LSU is the only one that came against the top half of the league.  Georgia, meanwhile, is battle tested and hungry.  They've been winning despite not even playing close to their best basketball.  If it finally clicks, look out.

Why Georgia will lose:  If Georgia was the surprise of the SEC last year, it's the Aggies this year.  They've ridden good defense and a balanced, just-good-enough offense to 7 early conference wins and a nice chance at making the big dance.  They're also undefeated at home.

What I think will happen:  This is a very, very even matchup.  If Kenny Gaines can shut down Danuel House, Georgia has a real shot to win.  With that said, go with the home team.  Aggies triumph 69-65.

Game card: Tennessee

Opponent:  Tennessee
Mascot:  Volunteers
Primary color(s):  Creamsicle and white
Record:  13-8 (5-4)
Best player:  Josh Richardson
Line:  Georgia -7

Why Georgia will win:  Georgia's strengths line up well with Tennessee's weaknesses.  The volunteers don't score particularly well, and they are atrocious rebounding the ball.  They have two players shooting the 3-ball very well, but Georgia should be able to contain those shooters as Tennessee doesn't have big men that demand double-teams.

Why Georgia will lose:  Marcus Thornton, as of this writing, still has not been cleared to play.  If Thornton can't go, Georgia remains one-dimensional, and that has not worked well the last two games.  Tennessee has actually be better on the road in conference, getting 3 out of 5 of their wins away from Knoxville.

What I think will happen:  Does Thornton play?  Vegas must think so.  I'm going to say he does, and thus Georgia gets a big win 73-64.

Game card: Kentucky

Opponent: Kentucky
Mascot:  Wildcats
Primary color(s): Blue
Record:  21-0 (8-0)
Best player:  Karl-Anthony Towns?  There are a lot of choices.
Line:  Kentucky -19.5

Why Georgia will win:  They won't.  I hope you didn't come here to see me try to justify why Georgia has a chance in this game.  After scoring 50 points and shooting 22% against a pretty average South Carolina defense, Georgia heads into the belly of the beast still without their best player.  For the Bulldogs to have a chance at covering that mighty spread, Gaines and Frazier are going to have to be hot, and Maten is going to have to avoid foul trouble.  Kentucky is not a great offensive team, but Georgia may not even score 50 in this game.

Why Georgia will lose:  I suppose I have to write something here.  Even without a sick Trey Lyles, Kentucky will march out 7 McDonald's All-Americans.  They are almost impossible to score on in the paint, and they close out on shooters as well as anyone in the country.  In Stegeman Coliseum this would be a herculean task, but alas, this one is in Rupp.  To top it all off, Georgia has never beaten a #1 team before.

What I think will happen:  Does it sound like I'm despairing?  I'm despairing.  I was really anxious to see what a "healthy" Bulldog team could do in Rupp.  Instead, we may need to watch through squinting eyes.  Kentucky wins 71-49.

Game card: South Carolina

Opponent: South Carolina
Mascot:  Gamecocks
Primary color(s): Garnet and black
Record:  10-9 (1-6)
Best player:  Duane Notice
Line:  South Carolina -2.5

Why Georgia will win:  Because that's what Georgia does.  Shorthanded at Vanderbilt?  No problem.  So why not win shorthanded at South Carolina?  The Gamecocks are not super talented, and their strength is in their guards, so losing Thornton isn't the end of the world.  If Kenny Gaines or J.J. Frazier can keep the hot shooting going, Georgia will be fine.

Why Georgia will lose:  Let's not forget that this South Carolina team beat Iowa State.  They've also lost close games to Baylor, Florida, Auburn, Tennessee, and LSU.  Their strength is rebounding and defense, and Georgia will be without its leading scorer and rebounder.

What I think will happen:  This finally feels like too much.  On the road and (barely) 7 deep?  South Carolina wins 64-59.

What I hope will happen:

Game card: Vanderbilt

Opponent:  Vanderbilt
Mascot:  Commodores
Primary color(s):  Black and gold
Record:  11-8 (1-5)
Best player:  Damian Jones
Line:  Georgia -7

Why Georgia will win:  They just beat Vanderbilt on the road in Nashville, so surely they can handle business at home.  J.J. Frazier is nuclear hot, and the scoring is so spread out it's going to be a matter of the Commodores picking their poison.  Stegeman Coliseum continues to be a very difficult place for road teams to get wins.

Why Georgia will lose:  Vanderbilt has lost 1 in a row to Georgia, but they've still won 7 of the last 8.  Riley LaChance was fantastic in Nashville, and had Damian Jones not disappeared Vanderbilt probably would have won the game.  Georgia is unlikely to slow Jones down again.  He's too good.  Kevin Stallings' record against Mark Fox says the Bulldogs are in for a fight.

What I think will happen:  I make this pick through gritted teeth.  Consider me very, very nervous about this one.  Bulldogs keep it going 74-65.

Game card: Mississippi State

Opponent:  Mississippi State
Mascot:  Bulldogs
Primary color(s):  Maroon and white
Record:  9-9 (2-3)
Best player:  Gavin Ware
Line:  Georgia -6

Why Georgia will win:  This matchup is very favorable to Georgia.  Mississippi State turns the ball over a little too much, and they don't shoot the 3-ball very well.  Georgia's defense has been fantastic at times this season, and they should feast on the other Bulldogs' offense.

Why Georgia will lose:  In case you missed it, Mississippi State has won two in a row, including a win at Auburn, which has been a tough place to play this year.  They go 10 deep and Gavin Ware is a handful inside.  They're 7-4 at home with a pretty good win against Florida State.

What I think will happen:  This one won't be easy, but a good team wins this game, and I believe Georgia is a good team.  Good Dawgs win kind of ugly 67-59.

Game card: Ole Miss

Opponent:  Mississippi
Mascot:  Rebels
Primary color(s):  Blue and red
Record:  11-6 (2-2)
Best player:  Stefan Moody
Line:  Georgia -5

Why Georgia will win:  Even including the Arkansas loss, Georgia sure has been good at home.  A healthy Yante Maten also gives the Bulldogs some extra juice.  Now that it's conference play, Kenny Gaines is red hot.  Georgia won't relax after the win against Florida because they know there's more work to be done.

Why Georgia will lose:  Ole Miss has been pretty good on the road, including an OT loss to Kentucky and an absolute drubbing of Arkansas where they put up 96 points.  They are extremely deep, with 9 guys seeing regular floor time, and that bodes well against a Georgia team struggling with injuries.

What I think will happen:  I'm tempted to pick against Georgia just because that's working so well.  I'll trust that the universe isn't listening and say Dawgs win 77-72.

Game card: Florida

Opponent:  Florida
Mascot:  Gators
Primary color(s):  Orange and blue
Record:  10-6 (3-0)
Best player:  Dorien Finney-Smith
Line:  Pick

Why Georgia will win:  Georgia can't lose two in a row at home, can they?  After a confidence boosting win in Nashville they will come out focused and firing on all cylinders.  Kenny Gaines is back to form, and that makes Georgia very difficult to beat.

Why Georgia will lose:  Florida's record isn't indicative of just how good these guys are.  They lost a lot of talent off of last year's squad that went undefeated in SEC play, but they've still lost close games to tough Miami, Georgetown, Kansas, Florida State, and UConn teams.  They also press, and that has been an Achilles heel for Georgia this year.

What I think will happen:  Can they prove me wrong again?  Gators win 78-71.

What I hope will happen:

Game card: Vanderbilt

Opponent:  Vanderbilt
Mascot:  Commodores
Primary color(s):  Black and gold
Record:  11-4 (1-1)
Best player:  Damian Jones
Line:  Vanderbilt -2

Why Georgia will win:  Even shorthanded, Georgia is better than Vanderbilt.  The Commodores played Baylor close at home but haven't done much else to impress.  Meanwhile, if nothing else, Georgia is battle tested with two close losses to some of the best teams in the SEC.

Why Georgia will lose:  Where were you February 4, 2006?  That's the last time Georgia won in Nashville.  On top of that, the Bulldogs are desperately shorthanded, and Damian Jones was going to be tough to handle with Yante Maten in the lineup.  If Parker can't go either, it essentially leaves Mark Fox with 6 rotation players.

What I think will happen:  All week I had planned on picking Georgia.  Circle the wagons and whatnot.  I can't do it.  Vanderbilt wins 68-63.

What I hope will happen:

Game card: LSU

Opponent:  LSU
Mascot:  Tigers
Primary color(s):  Purple and yellow
Record:  11-3 (0-1)
Best player:  Jordan Mickey
Line:  LSU -3

Why Georgia will win:  Georgia needs this game to avoid an 0-2 start to conference play and to prove that the non-conference success was not a fluke.  The Bulldogs actually played really well against Arkansas on Tuesday, but were beaten by a deeper team.  LSU has similar depth to Georgia and just played two days ago.

Why Georgia will lose:  LSU's strength is inside, and that's where you beat the Bulldogs.  Jarrell Martin and Jordan Mickey are big-time players inside, and Marcus Thornton and Nemi Djurisic are going to struggle to stop them.  Throw in the fact that Mickey blocks over 3 shots per game, and you have the recipe for a long night for Georgia in the paint.

What I think will happen:  Cue the panic of the Bulldog basketball nation.  LSU wins 78-66.

What I hope will happen: