The Wisconsin Badgers begin their NCAA Tournament campaign on Thursday against the High Point Panthers, and they look set to be boosted by the return of Nolan Winter. After missing four games due to an ankle injury, the 21-year-old is set to make his return in time for March Madness.
A tricky first-round matchup awaits the Badgers. The Panthers are a fast-paced team that scores 90.0 points per game while allowing 70.3.
Nolan Winter’s Injury Status for Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament Opener
Winter is set to boost the Wisconsin Badgers’ hopes of avoiding an upset against the High Point Panthers on Thursday, as the forward was not included on the team’s initial player availability report. This report was shared by reporter Lukas Harkins on Thursday.
After missing the last four games heading into the NCAA Tournament, Wisconsin’s Nolan Winter is not listed on the initial player availability report for tomorrow. Looks like the Badgers’ big man is good to go after a week of expressing that optimism. pic.twitter.com/XXSfgRZ03q
— Lukas Harkins (@hardwiredsports) March 19, 2026
After suffering an ankle injury earlier this month, the Wisconsin junior will look to suit up for his team’s March Madness opener. Winter also expressed his readiness for the NCAA Tournament earlier this week with an Instagram post captioned “Go Time.”
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It has been an impressive junior year so far for Winter, who is averaging 13.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. In addition to being the team’s top rebounder, he shoots 56.9% from the field and 36.1% from the three-point line.
These stats make Winter a valuable player for the Badgers as they look to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. While Winter looks set to make his return on Thursday, Jack Janicki has been listed as out for the clash against High Point.
The Wisconsin guard has been sidelined since mid-February after undergoing wrist surgery. He has made significant progress and is closing in on a return, even if he will not be playing on Thursday.
The Badgers go into the NCAA Tournament with a 24-10 overall record for the season. They have gone 7-3 in their last 10 matches and were beaten by Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.
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Winter’s absence was certainly felt by Wisconsin in the team’s loss to Michigan. With the Minnesota native now fit again and primed for his return, the Badgers will fancy their chances of avoiding an upset against a talented High Point team.
Wisconsin is the fifth seed in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament, while High Point is the 12th seed. This first-round matchup will tip off at 1:50 p.m. ET on Thursday, and fans can watch the action live on TBS and Max.
