The Arkansas Razorbacks will look to pull off an upset in their Sweet 16 game against the Arizona Wildcats in the men’s NCAA Tournament on Thursday.
After defeating Hawaii and High Point to qualify for the regional semifinals, the Razorbacks will hope for the return of Nick Pringle to bolster the team. But the question remains whether the forward will be able to shake off his injury in time to play on Thursday.
Will Nick Pringle Play in the Arkansas vs. Arizona Sweet 16 Game?
Pringle suffered a leg injury recently and had to miss the first week of March Madness as a result. There was hope that he could play in the second round against High Point, but he did not take the court.
The chances of Pringle returning on Thursday look promising. The Arkansas senior was not listed on the injury report on Wednesday and looks set to suit up for this Sweet 16 clash.
This news is a significant boost for the Razorbacks, who had to go with a six-man rotation in their first two NCAA Tournament games. The starter’s return comes at a crucial time, as the No. 1-seeded Wildcats are among the top teams in the country with depth and versatility.
It remains to be seen whether Pringle will be under a minutes restriction on Thursday evening.
Meanwhile, Arkansas will be without Karter Knox against Arizona, with the wing sidelined due to a knee injury.
Why Nick Pringle and Darius Acuff Jr. Are Key for Arkansas Against Arizona
Pringle will be tasked with making an impact for the Razorbacks against Arizona. He is averaging 4.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game this season. In addition, his interior presence and rebounding ability will be important to Arkansas’ hopes of slowing Arizona center Motiejus Krivas.
Joining Pringle in the Razorbacks lineup will be SEC Player of the Year Darius Acuff Jr. The 19-year-old has been a standout performer all year and goes into the game fresh after scoring 36 points for Arkansas against High Point.
MORE: Arkansas-Arizona Injury Report: Latest on Nick Pringle, Brayden Burries’ Status for Sweet 16 Clash
Acuff Jr. is averaging 23.3 points and 6.5 assists per game this year.
The Arkansas-Arizona Sweet 16 clash will tip off at 9:45 p.m. ET today. Fans can watch the game live on CBS and Paramount+.
