Kentucky rules out two players ahead of LSU matchup

For the first time since the 2018-2019 season, Kentucky began its SEC schedule with a loss. Head coach John Calipari has not dropped back-to-back games to open conference play since taking over the program. A potentially historic night is on tap in Lexington with LSU in town.

Kentucky needs a win but will be doing so without two key players. Just over an hour before tip-off, it was announced that both CJ Fredrick and Lance Ware would miss Tuesday night’s game due to injuries.

“CJ Fredrick (right hand) and Lance Ware (left shoulder) are out tonight,” the official Kentucky Basketball Twitter account announced. “Both are considered day-to-day.”

Fredrick is one of the many seniors on the Wildcats’ roster, returning after a disappointing NCAA Tournament performance a year ago. He is currently averaging just over seven points per game but only played four minutes in the loss to Missouri.

As for Ware, he has been a consistent role player for Kentucky. Playing 14 minutes a night, Ware averages 3.6 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.

John Calipari looking to shorten Kentucky rotation

Even with the injuries, Calipari is looking to shorten up the rotation for Kentucky. He said the program’s five starters are going to play as many minutes as possible moving forward for the Wildcats.

“The backups aren’t gonna get as many minutes,” Calipari said during a pregame interview.

These changes are coming off the back of a tough nonconference schedule for Kentucky. For the first time maybe ever, questions are being asked of Calipari after losing some high-profile games early. Dropping one on the road to Missouri did not help the situation either.

Getting an in-state rivalry win vs. Louisville helps but with how bad the Cardinals are, does not fix everything. LSU at home is one Calipari needs to get under his belt and get positive momentum back.