Tre Mitchell available against Arkansas after missing four games with injury

Tre Mitchell (shoulder) will be available for Kentucky on Saturday against Arkansas after missing four games with injury, according to KSR ahead of opening tip.

Mitchell has been dealing with a shoulder injury since Kentucky’s Feb. 13 win over Ole Miss. He left that game, was deemed questionable to return at the time and hasn’t played since. He collided with Rebels center Moussa Cisse and hit his left shoulder on the play.

While his ailments have held him to participating in two games during February, Mitchell averaged 12.3 points per game along with a team-leading 7.6 rebounds on average before his injury. At the time of his departure, Mitchell had five points and six rebounds, which has brought his average down a bit.

In his absence, Kentucky big man Ugonna Onyenso has come into his own as a shot-blocking post presence for John Calipari’s squad during his true sophomore year. Whether Calipari decides to keep Onyenso as the main big, or returns Mitchell to his starting role is ultimately up to how Mitchell fares in this Kentucky lineup after the success the Wildcats have seen over the last four weeks.

Still, Kentucky is now at full strength for what they’re hoping is the first full game during the 2023-2024 season. Barring any injuries, this will be the first complete look at what Kentucky has to offer this year despite the regular season finale being just a week away.

It remains to be seen how much Mitchell is allowed on the court in his return. Still, he brings Kentucky a veteran presence that can play both sides of the ball.

Tip-off between the Wildcats and Razorbacks is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET live on CBS. Kentucky is a 13.5-point betting favorite heading into tip-off, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Odds revealed for Arkansas vs. Kentucky

FanDuel line: Kentucky -13.5
FanDuel over/under: 166.5

After the ‘Cats fended off Arkansas down there, FanDuel expects a surging UK team to take care of business by double figures in this one. Home games have been a bit of an adventure, both good and bad, for Kentucky this year, but in last Saturday’s outing, the Wildcats hung 117 points on the scoreboard in a blowout win against Alabama.

Meanwhile, Arkansas beat Missouri last weekend behind a 42-point outing from Khalif Battle. Although, the Hogs did lose in the midweek in a nasty home defeat against the Vanderbilt Commodores.