Indiana University's men's basketball team has faced challenges with player availability due to health issues. Starting point guard Xavier Johnson was sidelined for seven consecutive games because of a foot injury but is expected to make his return in the game against Nebraska. His absence was felt in the previous game against Kennesaw State, which also saw starting center Kel’el Ware out due to illness, later confirmed to be COVID-19. In Johnson's absence, Payton Sparks started, and the betting line shifted by three points, with Indiana favored at -9.5. Both Johnson and Ware are anticipated to play in the upcoming game, with Johnson confirmed to be in the starting lineup after being observed looking well during pregame warmups. Johnson has been out since the game against Harvard.
Senior point guard Xavier Johnson is slated to start tonight for Indiana at Nebraska. #iubb https://t.co/urxh86WTYV
Xavier Johnson will start in tonight's game at Nebraska, per Mike Woodson. #iubb
Indiana basketball: Xavier Johnson expected back vs. Nebraska https://t.co/l7ChQGug7j
Indiana senior point guard Xavier Johnson looks fine in early pregame warmups. #iubb https://t.co/x3MZf9u9C9
IndyStar can confirm IU expects to have Xavier Johnson back for tonight’s Big Ten restart at Nebraska. Been out since Harvard. #iubb
Peegs sources: Indiana starting point guard Xavier Johnson is expected to return tonight vs. Nebraska, IU center Kel'el Ware also expected to play. #iubb https://t.co/GoAkJZyLYq
Indiana starting point guard Xavier Johnson is expected to return tonight at Nebraska, source told @TheMessenger. Johnson has missed the last 7 games with a foot injury. Kel’el Ware will also return after missing last game due to COVID.
Indiana basketball without Kel'el Ware tonight (illness) and Xavier Johnson tonight, Payton Sparks will start in his place, line has dropped three points since availability report was released (IU -9.5)
As @GoodmanHoops noted, Kel'el Ware is out following a positive Covid test, per sources. #iubb https://t.co/gQbc056dBW
Kel’el Ware out for IU tonight. Xavier Johnson remains questionable. #iubb
Indiana big man Kel’el Ware out tonight due to COVID, source told @TheMessenger. https://t.co/9LfJlaC4B8
Indiana starting center Kel’el Ware is listed as out on the formal injury report. Indiana starting point guard Xavier Johnson (foot) also is not expected to play tonight vs. Kennesaw State. #iubb
Kel’el Ware is out for tonight’s game against Kennesaw State per the Big Ten availability report. #iubb
Xavier Johnson expected to miss Indiana's game against Kennesaw State https://t.co/AMdElkgks4
Indiana guard Xavier Johnson is expected to miss tonight’s game against Kennesaw State, source told @TheMessenger. It will be the seventh consecutive game Johnson will miss due to a foot injury.