Sahvir Wheeler is OUT tonight for Kentucky, only at "70-75%"

The anticipated return of Sahvir Wheeler will have to wait, at least till Sunday — should Kentucky win tonight, of course.

After an afternoon of feel-good stories regarding the senior guard’s return to action after six weeks out, John Calipari announced Friday evening he will not be able to give it a go vs. Providence to open the NCAA Tournnament.

Wheeler went through pregame shootaround and was only 70-75%, just too far away from being ready to play against the Friars. It goes along with the guidelines Calipari set regarding his return-to-play timeline this week.

“He is trying his hardest and he’s doing great stuff. But I’ve got to really feel that he’s maybe not 100%, but he can’t 80%, not in a game like this…” Calipari said Thursday. “We’ll see. He’ll go through the shoot-around, we’ll practice a little bit after this and then the docs and trainers will tell me what they think.”

Clearly a different tune from the “believe so” Wheeler gave.

“It’s been tough. I think the toughest thing is not being out there with my guys,” Wheeler said when asked about his injury. “But also it’s been great recovering, doing the best I can. Getting better each and every day, each and every rep, each and every practice, each and every workout. I’m just super excited to be in this situation again, to be in the tournament with my guys. Hopefully, we do some great things.”

It won’t be with Wheeler, tonight at least.

As expected, Cason Wallace will start at point guard alongside, Antonio Reeves, Chris Livingston, Jacob Toppin and Oscar Tshiebwe to round out the first unit. From there, CJ Fredrick, Lance Ware, Daimion Collins, Adou Thiero and Ugonna Onyenso will be available for the Wildcats off the bench.

Our group to start #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/GtVZxb7n7Z

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) March 17, 2023

Here goes nothing.