TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — In a significant matchup, the Arkansas men’s basketball team faces the Alabama Crimson Tide on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. at Coleman Coliseum, but the Razorbacks will be missing key players. Wings Karter Knox and Isaiah Sealy have both been ruled out for the game, according to the SEC availability report.
On the opposing side, Alabama will also deal with player absences, as Davion Hannah, Keitenn Bristow, and Collins Onyejiaka will be sidelined. However, it’s worth noting that these players have not participated in games since January 10. Additionally, Taylor Bol Bowen’s status remains uncertain as he is listed as questionable.
Knox’s absence marks his third game out of the last four, following a brief appearance of just six minutes in Arkansas’ win over Auburn on Saturday. Over the course of the season, he has averaged 8.1 points and 4.5 rebounds while starting 18 of the 22 games in which he has played. In Knox’s absence, Billy Richmond has stepped up, taking on a starting role and impressively averaging 17.3 points in the last three games.
Meanwhile, Sealy has mainly played a limited role this season, finding himself as the ninth man on the roster. Despite this, he contributed significantly during a recent two-game stretch against Mississippi State and LSU, scoring a combined 10 points along with three blocks and three assists, showcasing his ability to step up when needed, especially with both Knox and D.J. Wagner absent at that time.
As it stands, the No. 20 Razorbacks are positioned in second place in the SEC standings, just one game behind No. 12 Florida. The No. 25 Crimson Tide are tied for third alongside Kentucky, No. 19 Vanderbilt, and Tennessee, all trailing behind Arkansas and two games behind the Gators.
This game is expected to be a high-energy contest, underscoring the growing importance of depth and adaptability within both teams as they navigate the challenges of the season.