Kentucky Basketball vs. Indiana viewing info, what to watch for, and predictions

In a season marked by inconsistency, developing rotations, and high expectations, Kentucky basketball now faces another defining moment. The Wildcats enter Saturday night’s matchup against the Indiana

Hoosiers at Rupp Arena with a 6–4 record, coming off a dominant 103–67 win over NC Central on Tuesday.

While the victory restored confidence and allowed Kentucky to showcase its depth, the Wildcats are still searching for their first marquee win of the 2025–26 season. Losses to Louisville, Michigan State, North Carolina, and Gonzaga have kept fans and analysts questioning whether Kentucky can consistently compete at the highest level.

Indiana, meanwhile, brings a 7–2 record to Lexington, with impressive wins early in the season. Their most notable victory came against Marquette, where they defeated them 100–77. Indiana also topped Kansas State 86–69, though the Hoosiers stumbled in back-to-back losses to Minnesota and Louisville, dropping 73–64 at Minnesota and 87–78 in Indianapolis versus Louisville.

Indiana rebounded on Tuesday with a 113–72 blowout of Penn State, highlighted by Lamar Wilkerson’s 44 points in just 24 minutes, hitting 16-of-22 from the field and 10-of-15 from three. He also added four rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Saturday’s game marks the first regular-season meeting between these long-time rivals since Indiana’s 73–72 victory at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on December 10, 2011. The 14-year lapse is the longest in series history since the two programs went 21 years between regular-season games from 1944 to 1965. The teams have met twice in the NCAA Tournament since 2011, with Kentucky winning 102–90 in the 2012 Sweet 16 and Indiana prevailing 73–67 in the 2016 Round of 32.

Overall, Kentucky leads the series 32–25, with the Wildcats ranking second all-time with eight national championships and Indiana fourth with five.

Injury Report: Kentucky Searches for Continuity

Kentucky’s roster remains in flux, and availability will again influence Mark Pope’s game plan.

• Jaland Lowe (shoulder) — played eight minutes vs. NC Central, finishing with zero points, two assists, two fouls, and one turnover; status remains day-to-day.
• Mo Dioubate (ankle) — day-to-day with a high ankle sprain and torn ligament.
• Jayden Quaintance (ACL recovery) — progressing, now cleared for controlled 5-on-5 drills.

If Dioubate remains out, Pope could start Denzel Aberdeen, Collin Chandler, Otega Oweh, Kam Williams, and Malachi Moreno. If Dioubate returns, rotations could shift to accommodate his size and defensive versatility against Indiana’s frontcourt. Freshman Malachi Moreno has continued to impress by showing growth, shot-blocking ability, and mobility that have become essential for Kentucky’s floor balance.

What to Watch for in Kentucky vs. Indiana

1. Control Tucker DeVries and Lamar Wilkerson
   Indiana has five players averaging double digits, but DeVries and Wilkerson are the offensive focal points.

• Tucker DeVries (6’7” senior forward) — 17.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1 SPG, shooting 42.2% from the field and 41.2% from three.
• Lamar Wilkerson (6’4” senior guard) — 16 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.7 SPG, shooting 41.9% from the field and 37.9% from three, including a historic 44-point outburst against Penn State.

2. Run Them Off the 3-Point Line
   Indiana averages 28.8 attempts from deep per game, connecting at a 38.2% clip. Three players: DeVries, Wilkerson, and Nick Dorn all shoot above 40% from long range. Kentucky’s perimeter defense must contest shots without over-committing to avoid open lanes or transition points.
3. Frontcourt Play
   Indiana’s frontcourt is less dominant, relying on Sam Alexis and Reed Bailey. Alexis leads Indiana with 5.8 rebounds per game, while Kentucky’s Malachi Moreno averages 7.1 RPG. Kentucky should dominate inside with Moreno, Brandon Garrison, Andrija Jelavic, and possibly Dioubate returning, ensuring rebounds and interior defense stay in the Wildcats’ favor.
4. Ball Movement and Offensive Discipline
   Indiana averages 19.3 assists on 59.9 shot attempts, meaning 32.2% of their shots are assisted. Kentucky must anticipate ball movement, communicate on switches, and contest passing lanes to disrupt Indiana’s offensive flow.

Indiana Players to Know

• Tucker DeVries — senior forward, dynamic scorer with three-point range.
• Lamar Wilkerson — senior guard, explosive scorer and former Kentucky target.
• Tayton Conerway — senior guard, 11.8 PPG, 4.4 APG, 3.2 RPG, 50% shooting, previously faced Kentucky at Troy.
• Reed Bailey — 6’10” senior forward, 10.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2 APG, 55.3% shooting.
• Sam Alexis — 6’9” senior forward, 10 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.3 APG, 67.3% shooting.
• Conor Enright — 3.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, agitator on the court.

How to Watch Kentucky Basketball vs. Indiana Hoosiers

• Time: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, December 13
• Location: Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, Lexington, KY
• TV Channel: ESPN
• Online Stream: ESPN+ and ESPN app
• Radio: Tom Leach & Jack Givens – UK Sports Radio Network
• Replay: WatchESPN and ESPN networks (check local listings)
• Rosters: UK | Indiana
• Stats to Know: UK | Indiana
• KenPom: UK | Indiana
• Team Sheet: UK | Indiana
• Odds: FanDuel Sportsbook currently does not have official odds, so check back Friday afternoon for those. EvanMiya gives the Hoosiers a 61% chance to win. KenPom (64%), ESPN (60%), and BartTorvik (57%) give Kentucky the narrow edge.
• Predictions: EvanMiya picks Indiana to win 80-77. Haslametrics has the Hoosiers winning 74-73, BartTorvik went with a 77-75 win for Kentucky. KenPom has the Cats winning 78-74. This game represents an opportunity for Kentucky to claim its first major win, earn a résumé-defining victory, and silence early-season criticism. Indiana’s guard play and depth will challenge the Wildcats, but Kentucky’s frontcourt, athleticism, and recent dominance over NC Central give them the tools to emerge with a statement win. Expect a competitive, high-energy battle at Rupp Arena, with Kentucky aiming to hold serve at home and prove they belong among the nation’s elite. I’m going with an 82–76 victory, Kentucky!

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