Sahvir Wheeler returns for Kentucky, two others remain out

Kentucky’s Bob Cousy Award finalist will return to the floor vs. Duquesne on Friday evening. Sahvir Wheeler makes his season debut after missing the team’s second exhibition game vs. Kentucky State and the season-opener vs. Howard due to injury.

The 5-foot-9 playmaker left the team’s first exhibition game vs. Missouri Western at the 10:45 mark in the second half after taking an awkward fall at the baseline. He immediately reached for his right knee and lower leg and was helped to the bench. Wheeler was then taken back to the locker room without putting any weight on his leg.

John Calipari said after the injury he expected it to be short-term, confirming it was a re-aggravation of the twisted knee he suffered in practice prior to the team’s Blue-White Game in Pikeville. Now, Wheeler is back in time for Kentucky’s second matchup of the regular season.

What about Oscar Tshiebwe (knee) and Daimion Collins (personal)? They will miss tonight’s game vs. Duquesne, though both are expected back when the Wildcats take on Michigan State in the Champions Classic next week in Indianapolis.

Who will start this evening? It will be the same starting five we saw to start the season, with Cason Wallace starting at the one, CJ Fredrick at the two, Chris Livingston at the three, Jacob Toppin at the four and Lance Ware at the five.

Off the bench will be Wheeler, Antonio Reeves, , Ugonna Onyenso and Adou Thiero, giving Kentucky nine scholarship pieces to work with.

Inching back to full strength.