Pregame Report: Sahvir Wheeler, CJ Fredrick Once Again Out, Won't Play Against Florida

It's become the norm, but Kentucky basketball is once again entering an SEC game shorthanded.

Both point guard Sahvir Wheeler (ankle) and shooting guard CJ Fredrick (cracked rib) are unavailable to play and will miss the Wildcats' road game against Florida in Gainesville on Wednesday night.

It's now the fifth straight game with no Wheeler and the fourth without Fredrick. Without both in the lineup, UK holds a 2-1 record.

The Wildcats are rolling out a newly-normal starting five against UF as a result:

Cason Wallace
Antonio Reeves
Chris Livingston
Jacob Toppin
Oscar Tshiebwe

Wheeler's ankle injury was picked up in practice before UK's game against Arkansas on Feb. 7. In the game prior against Florida in Lexington, Fredrick suffered his cracked rib injury, running into a cameraman after making a layup. He played through the pain against the Razorbacks, but has since sat out.

“Both of those two are really working hard to come back," UK coach John Calipari told Tom Leach on his call-in radio show on Monday night. "They want to play for this team. They want to play for the fans. But, they got to be healthy. All the doctors, trainers, everybody says they’re both really working hard to come back, but you know, you trust the kids. They only know their pain. No one else does.”

Kentucky's starters have learned to play with a much heavier workload during the absence of both players. That continued in the Wildcats' 66-54 win over Tennessee over the weekend, as four starters eclipsed 30 minutes, while shooting guard Antonio Reeves played 29.

Florida is playing without star forward Colin Castleton, who is out for the rest of the season after suffering a broken hand. You can find out more about his loss and the impact it has on the Gators HERE.

Tipoff between the Cats and Gators inside the O'Connell Center is set for 7 p.m. EST this Wednesday. The game will be televised on ESPN.

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

Sports Illustrated also offers insight, information and up to the minute details for gamblers. Check it out here.