The Kentucky Wildcats got healthier last week and bagged a couple of wins, including a second win versus the Tennessee Volunteers. But that 75-64 home win over the Vols came at a cost. Injuries are back to haunt the Wildcats. The UK now has a trio of fifth-year guards who are out, and head coach Mark Pope is down to just nine healthy scholarship players. And it’s not just Kentucky. Texas is also dealing with some injuries of its own. So, Saturday’s game in Austin is going to be a true test of endurance.

First, let’s talk about the most pressing issue for the Wildcats—injuries. Lamont Butler, Jaxson Robinson, and Kerr Kriisa are all out, leaving Pope scrambling for answers. It’s sad that Butler just can’t catch a break. After already dealing with multiple injuries this season, he suffered a left shoulder injury during the Jan. 14 home win over Texas A&M. He missed three straight games, came back against South Carolina, played again versus Tennessee, and then with 8:40 left in the game, he reinjured the same shoulder. 

To make the situation worse, Robinson injured his right wrist in practice last week. X-rays came back clean, which sounded like good news, but then he sat out the Tennessee game, spotted on the bench in a gray sweatsuit with a significant brace on his wrist. 

Pope’s not sugarcoating anything either. “They’re both pretty serious injuries,” he admitted about Butler and Robinson. The uncertainty about their return isn’t helping either, especially with crucial games ahead. And then, there’s Kriisa, who’s been out for two months after the foot injury in the Dec. 7 win over Gonzaga. At the same time, Texas isn’t exactly cruising either.

The Longhorns have three players on their injury report—Chendall Weaver is out, Arthur Kaluma is doubtful, and Devon Pryor is probable. Kaluma’s a key player for Texas, averaging 13 points and eight rebounds per game. His shooting from deep (39.7%) makes him a real threat. If he doesn’t play, it’s a huge blow for Texas. Pryor, who missed the Alabama game, has a 75% chance to play, and that could provide some relief.

With that, projected starting lineups look like this: 

Kentucky

• Koby Brea: Guard
• Antonio Williams: Guard
• Andre Carr: Guard (likely replacing Lamont Butler)
• Ansley Almonor: Forward
• Otega Oweh: Guard

Texas:

• Kadin Shedrick: Forward
• Tramon Mark: Guard
• Julian Larry: Guard
• Arthur Kaluma: Forward (if he plays)
• Tre Johnson: Guard

But, you know what, along with an unhealthy roster, Kentucky has another challenge. 

Is Tre Johnson the biggest threat to Kentucky?

As if injuries weren’t enough of a headache, Kentucky has another massive problem on its hands. And his name? Tre Johnson. Saturday night, the Wildcats will play in the Longhorns’ den, facing a Texas team desperate for a win after three straight losses. And hungry teams are fearless. But the biggest problem for Kentucky isn’t just their depleted roster—it’s Johnson, a projected NBA lottery pick who’s been torching defenses all season.

He’s averaging 19.3 points per game, and Pope knows exactly how tough he is to guard. “He’s a problem because he makes hard shots. … It’s hard to deal with him,” Pope said. And the worst part (for the Wildcats) is he is consistent. The guy just doesn’t miss. And despite their recent wins, Kentucky is far from safe. The injuries are piling up, and the road ahead is getting tougher. They need at least four more wins in their final seven games to salvage a winning conference record. 

That makes this Texas clash a must-win; no room for slip-ups. The good news is that the Wildcats still have talent on the floor, and if they can slow down Johnson while managing their own injury crisis, they’ve got a shot. So, what adjustments will Mark Pope make with his injured roster? And will Kentucky manage to steal a win despite all the setbacks?