The Arkansas Razorbacks 15-11 (4-9 SEC) clashes with the No. 15 Missouri Tigers 20-6 (9-4 SEC) at 8:00 p.m. ET in Bud Walton Arena on ESPN. Missouri overwhelmed the Hogs with excellent shooting in the game between the two teams earlier in the season. ESPN BET Sportsbook has Arkansas as a 1.5-point underdog against Missouri. However, ESPN Analytics gives the Hogs a 54.2% chance of upsetting the Tigers.
Missouri will face a different Arkansas team than it faced earlier in SEC play. Since upsetting Kentucky in Rupp Arena, the Razorbacks have emerged as one of the best teams in the nation. To their credit, No. 15 Missouri is one of the best teams in the nation. While the odds slightly favor Missouri, Arkansas can upset Missouri if it rises to the challenges of three keys to the game. Before the two teams battle in this important SEC game, it is vital to understand the injured players who are unavailable to play.
Arkansas basketball vs. Missouri Injury Report
Missouri Tigers
The SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report discloses that the Missouri Tigers will not have two players available because of injuries: Trent Burns and Josh Gray. According to ESPN, the Missouri center, Josh Gray, is the team's rebound leader, averaging 5.1 rebounds per game. His absence will undoubtedly impact this game. The Hogs have shown themselves vulnerable on the offensive and defensive glass, so Gray's absence can improve their rebounding performance.
Arkansas Razorbacks
The Arkansas Razorbacks will have everyone available tonight except their star freshman point guard, Boogie Fland. He had season-ending surgery. Fland is the Hogs' second-leading scorer and leader in assists. Therefore, the Razorbacks must continue to compete without such a crucial piece of their team.