The Arkansas Razorbacks are gearing up for a must-win clash with the LSU Tigers on Tuesday, and it’s a game that could define SEC standings going further. With Arkansas struggling at 11–5 and still searching for their first conference win, coach John Calipari knows this is a crucial turning point for the Razorbacks.

LSU, fresh off a stinging loss to Ole Miss, is no different. The Tigers sit at 11-5 and no conference win either. The pressure’s on for both teams. One can catch the action on January 14, 2025, at 8 p.m. Central Time. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network, with Kevin Fitzgerald and Carolyn Peck providing the commentary.

Injuries and lineups: Who’s In and who’s out?

As of January 13, 2025, both teams are healthy with no reported injuries for either team. Here’s what the starting lines could be:

Arkansas Razorbacks:

• Trevon Brazile (F)
• Adou Thiero (F)
• DJ Wagner (G)
• Zvonimir Ivisic (F)
• Boogie Fland (G)

LSU Tigers

• Jordan Sears (G)
• Cam Carter (G)
• Jalen Reed (F)
• Dji Bailey (G)
• Corey Chest (F)

As mentioned, niether of the team has had success in the SEC run this season. The Razorbacks, however, have been up against all ranked opponents so far, including Tennessee, Florida, and Ole Miss. With that, they start their SEC campaign on a losing streak for the 3rd time in the past 4 seasons. Tigers, on the other hand, took on unranked Vanderbilt and Missouri, and after a good start, failed to secure a lead in the second half, missing on converting the turnovers against Ole Miss.

Cam Carter, however, put up a show with 16 points, while Daimion Collins shot 6-of-8 from the field. Contesting the latter is Adou Thiero, who was 7-of-12 from the field versus Ole Miss, and leads the conference in field goal percentage. Freshman Fland is another to watchout for, leading his class in assists. It’s either’s game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, but the coaches aren’t going easy

John Calipari up for a challenge:

Razorbacks 0-3 start was a first for John Calipari’s team since 1988. The team’s ineffective 3-16 from beyond the arc and 18-60 from the field in thier last game against Florida just wasn’t it for the coach. “There were guys on the team that were missing shots, and I created a couple more shots for them to try and build their confidence, and they missed those,” he told the reports post game, emphasizing how his involvement could only as far as coaching while it is the players’ responsibility to translate on court.

The Razorbacks are now shooting 36.8 percent from beyond the arc and average 7.9 three-point attempts per game. Calipari wants the team to step it up and start making those shots. “Start playing better. Make shots… You don’t have to make them all. Just can’t miss them all,” he adds.

As for LSU coach Matt McMahon, “desparation is the word.” He is aware of the standings and the mindset it is going to force on both the teams, but he is coming ready to win. Because, Razorbacks offer their best chances of winning in their conference schedule next. 5 of their next 6 teams are AP-ranked Top 25. While Calipari emphasizes shots, McMahon needs to focus on turnovers, with a poor 22% average.

The game is currently predicted in favor of the Razorbacks, but the matchup is anticipated to be a competitive battle with similar struggles.