The No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide 19-3 (8-1 SEC) must confront the Arkansas Razorbacks 14-8 (3-6 SEC) at the most inopportune time. Not only are the Razorbacks arguably the hottest team in the nation, but the Crimson Tide will also have to go to war with this talented team in Bud Walton Arena, arguably the most challenging place to play, without three players who will miss tonight's game due to injuries.
The Action Network has disclosed that Arkansas is a 4.5-point underdog. The Hogs have had to face greater odds this season, especially on the road in the SEC. Therefore, all the Razorbacks need to do is bring the same competitive fire they brought against the No. 14 Kentucky Wildcats 16-7 (5-5 SEC) and Texas Longhorns 15-9 (4-7 SEC) and they will upset Alabama, sending a clairon call to the college basketball world that Arkansas means serious business the rest of this season. Before the two teams clash tonight, it is vital to understand who is available to play for them.
Arkansas basketball vs. Alabama injury report
Alabama Crimson Tide
According to the "SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report," Alabama has three injured players who will not play tonight: Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Derrion Reid, and Houston Mallette. Latrell Wrightsell Jr. is the Alabama player who will be missed the most. According to ESPN, Wrightsell Jr. averages 11.5 points per game and shoots 50.0% from the field. He is the fourth-leading scorer on the team.
Derrion Reid's absence from tonight's game should not be overlooked. He averages 7.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game and shoots 44.0% from the field. When going into Bud Walton Arena, such production is needed to stop the Razorbacks' efforts to upset the Crimson Tide.
Arkansas Razorbacks
SEC executives have disclosed that Arkansas has only one injured player who will not participate tonight: Boogie Fland. Fland, who had season-ending surgery, is the team's second-leading scorer and assist leader. Therefore, his valuable presence will continue to be missed for the rest of the season. To be honest, though, the Hogs have played quite well without him, and the ball has moved more fluidly with D.J. Wagner at the point guard position.