DJ Wagner, Tre Mitchell unlikely to play at Vanderbilt

Kentucky‘s streak of games played at less than full strength will continue at Vanderbilt, the Wildcats expected to be down two starters in Nashville, sources tell KSR.

DJ Wagner‘s absence shouldn’t come as a surprise. He’s dealing with a serious high-ankle sprain, an injury that’s kept him sidelined in back-to-back losses vs. Florida and Tennessee. John Calipari confirmed he was “expecting him to play soon, sooner than later,” but didn’t give specifics beyond the obvious.

“We need him healthy,” he said. “We’ve done some things and I think he’s getting healthy. It’s like, you all know: when he doesn’t play, we don’t win. You know that.”

That’s been factually correct — three missed games, three losses. The Saturday to Tuesday turnaround is just a bit ambitious, though, and Wagner is expected to be out a third consecutive game and fourth overall dealing with the lingering ankle issue.

Another starter is expected to join him, as well, with Tre Mitchell set to miss his first game as a Wildcat with a back injury. The 6-9 forward has been fighting through pain since late January, suffering the injury in practice ahead of Kentucky’s home loss to Florida. He decided to play in back-to-back matchups, clearly limited and receiving treatment on the bench during breaks, but still playing 38 minutes against the Gators and 24 in the loss to No. 5 Tennessee.

Those were inarguably his worst performances as a Wildcat, combining for five points on 2-13 shooting and 0-7 from three.

Mitchell’s injury is not expected to be a long-term issue and he’ll be evaluated on a game-by-game basis moving forward. Testing revealed no breaks or tears, with normal treatment and rest being the anticipated and appropriate course of action. If not, the risk of further injury and likely setbacks were on the table. This was the recommended path for a full recovery ahead of postseason play, giving him the best chance to play at the level we saw to open the year and into the SEC schedule.

Kentucky will be without two of its most valuable pieces in Nashville, and it comes on the heels of a two-game losing streak. The Cats will need others to step up to get back in the win column.