Wisconsin Basketball vs Ohio State: Injury Update for a Key Badger

Wisconsin basketball hosts Ohio State tonight inside the Kohl Center. The Badgers have lost four straight games and have not lost five in a row since the 2017-18 season. With that kind of streak on the line, UW needs all the help it can get. With multiple players sidelined in its most recent loss, will Wisconsin be getting any reinforcements tonight?

Wisconsin Basketball vs. Ohio State: Will John Blackwell Play Tonight for the Badgers?

Jan 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) works around Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Elijah Hawkins (0) during the second half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into the game, UW listed John Blackwell as questionable on its availability report. The freshman guard had been questionable in Wisconsin’s previous two games. He played in the Badgers’ recent loss at Michigan. He did not, however, appear in a 78-56 loss at Rutgers. Prior to both games, the Michigan native took the court for warmups before the team made a game-time decision regarding his status.

Wisconsin Basketball vs. Ohio State: Ked’s Keys to a Badgers Win

Blackwell is a key piece for what the Badgers have done on offense and defense this season. With reserve point guard Kamari McGee already out of the lineup with an injury, the loss of the Blackwell took a toll on Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard’s rotation against Rutgers. After guard Max Klesmit was sidelined in the first half with two fouls, UW turned to former walk-on Isaac Lindsey, who struggled defensively.

Prior to injury, Blackwell has been building a candidacy for Big Ten Freshman of the Year. In 23 games this season, the Brother Rice High School standout was averaging 7.9 points and 3.2 rebounds in 17.5 minutes per game.

John Blackwell’s Injury Status Revealed for Wisconsin Basketball vs. Ohio State

Looks like no Blackwell tonight for the #Badgers. The team just took the court for warmups, but Blackwell is in sweats. pic.twitter.com/boWjsjyUH0

— Kedrick Stumbris (@KedrickStumbris) February 14, 2024

Blackwell only briefly left the Badgers tunnel for a pre-game shootaround. When he did, it was only in sweats. When the Badgers took the floor for pre-game warmups as a full team, Blackwell was again in sweats. He spent the pre-game warmup dribbling on the sidelines. By all appearances, he will be unavailable for tonight’s contest.

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