-For some of our preseason Big Ten predictions, click here.

7 p.m. each weekday leading up to the season opener, beat writer Paul Klee will have an update on the Illini or the 2009-10 basketball season:

Some of the Big Ten's better teams may not start the season at full strength.

No. 25 Minnesota announced today prized freshman Royce White is suspended indefinitely due to a violation of team rules. Senior Devron Bostick earned the same punishment.

Gophers coach Tubby Smith didn't say how long the suspensions would last. The players could miss two to six games or more, the Pioneer Press reported.

"It could be 20 (games)," Smith told the paper. "It depends on what I want and what I decide. If they take care of the things they have to take care of, then it could be less."

That's another early blow for a Minnesota squad that will be without junior college transfer Trevor Mbakwe for an undetermined amount of time. Mbakwe is being held out indefinitely until a court case is resolved.

But it doesn't appear most of the suspensions and injuries around the Big Ten will have long-term effects on their teams.

No. 2 Michigan State played its first exhibition game without forward Raymar Morgan (foot). He's expected back in the next two weeks, according to reports. No. 7 Purdue's Lewis Jackson was suspended but is expected to return for the second game of the season. No. 16 Ohio State was hoping to have center Dallas Lauderdale (hand) back in practice Tuesday, according to the Columbus Post-Dispatch.

As for No. 23 Illinois, Joseph Bertrand sat out practice today as he rested his right knee. The freshman guard rode a stationary bicycle as the Illini scrimmaged with IHSA game officials. Tyler Griffey missed Monday's practice due to an illness but returned today. Brandon Paul (left) and Mike Davis each practiced with their left hands wrapped and have not missed any practice time. Illinois hosts Quincy at 4 p.m. Sunday in its final exhibition.