LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Cardinals recently concluded a trip to the West Coast with mixed results, achieving a solid 90-70 victory over California before suffering an unexpected 80-76 defeat to Stanford. With their focus now shifting back home, the Cardinals are preparing for a significant matchup against the ranked Duke Blue Devils. This highly anticipated game is set to tip off on Tuesday, January 6, at 7:00 p.m. EST.
However, the forthcoming showdown is overshadowed by injury concerns affecting both teams. With less than 24 hours until the game, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has released its initial availability report, which outlines the status of various players.
On the Louisville side, the report confirms that standout freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. will be out for the fifth consecutive game due to a lower back injury. Head coach Pat Kelsey expressed frustration over the situation, noting Brown’s eagerness to participate. “He’s chomping at the bit,” Kelsey commented. “It’s just been kind of a couple disappointing setbacks as we tried to ramp him back up.”
The team also faces uncertainty regarding Kasean Pryor, who did not play in either of the West Coast games owing to ongoing knee issues. Kelsey indicated that Pryor has struggled to maintain practice consistency, stating, “He wasn’t even full contact yesterday at practice,” highlighting the challenges Pryor faces as he recuperates from a knee surgery.
As the availability report stands:
ACC’s Initial Availability Report for Louisville vs. Duke
Louisville Cardinals
OUT
#0 Mikel Brown
QUESTIONABLE
N/A
PROBABLE
N/A
Duke Blue Devils
OUT
#15 Ifeanyi Ufochukwu
QUESTIONABLE
N/A
PROBABLE
N/A
Both teams will be closely monitoring the injury status leading up to the game, and an updated report will be provided two hours before tip-off.
Fans are encouraged to stay connected for ongoing coverage and updates leading into this crucial clash. As both teams deal with injury setbacks, supporters are hopeful that the game will deliver an exciting contest despite these challenges.