John Calipari says Oscar Tshiebwe, Sahvir Wheeler, and Daimion Collins will all miss Kentucky's opener

With Kentucky basketball’s opener almost upon us, the availability of some key Wildcats was still up in the air. John Calipari put an end to the speculation, though, with a negative update on the Wildcat trio.

Per Tyler Thompson of Kentucky Sports Radio, Calipari says Oscar Tshiebwe, Sahvir Wheeler, and Daimion Collins will all be unavailable for Kentucky’s first game against Howard.

John Calipari confirms that Oscar Tshiebwe, Sahvir Wheeler, and Daimion Collins will not play tonight. Collins is expected to rejoin the team tonight after being in Texas with his family following the passing of his father Ben last week.

— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) November 7, 2022

Tshiebwe and Wheeler are both missing due to injuries suffered in the preseason. Tshiebwe, the reigning National Player of the Year, had a minor knee procedure in October. As for Wheeler, he reaggravated a knee injury during Kentucky’s first exhibition game. Collins will be absent for a much more personal reason as he is still grieving the unexpected passing of his father last week with his family.

This leaves Kentucky very short-handed for the first game of their year. Being down two starters and a key rotation contributor isn’t an ideal start for the nation’s No. 4 team in preseason. Still, those are the conditions they’ll be playing under with tipoff against the Bison coming within the hour.

LOOK: John Calipari hosts team dinner, final walkthrough ahead of Kentucky’s season opener

It is the eve of the opener for Kentucky basketball’s 2022-2023 season. After their last season ended in disaster, John Calipari and the Wildcats are looking to start off on the right foot tomorrow night. Even with concerns to start their season, though, Calipari did his best to keep the spirits up with his team with their activities on Sunday night.

Calipari tweeted that he hosted the roster at his house tonight for a team dinner. Afterward, they held a walkthrough in his own backyard in order to prepare for tomorrow’s game against Howard.

So excited to start the season tomorrow. Had the team over to the house tonight for dinner and a little walkthrough under the lights in the back yard. Can’t wait to take this journey together.

See you at Rupp tomorrow!! pic.twitter.com/jxprb270sg

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) November 7, 2022

There are plenty of questions coming into this season for Kentucky. Although they’re ranked in the Top-5 of the preseason’s AP Poll, they have several players whose statuses remain unknown. First, it’s unlikely that reigning National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe makes his debut this week based on Calipari’s comments. After injuring his knee in UK’s first exhibition, Sahvir Wheeler’s availability is also in question. Finally, there’s no update on the plan for Daimion Collins, the Wildcat’s sophomore forward who unexpectedly lost his father last week.

With all those issues swirling around Lexington, the best thing for Kentucky right now is to start their upcoming season off with a win tomorrow night. After one last evening spent together, the short-handed Wildcats will now set their sights on the Bisons for Monday’s 6:30 p.m EST tip-off.