Indiana Basketball Game Preview: Louisville – key storylines, injury report, how to watch

Indiana basketball heads into their biggest test of the non-conference schedule as they head into the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. The Hoosiers open the tournament against 3-1 Louisville.

This is not the Louisville of the last two years as first-year head coach Pat Kelsey has rebuilt the roster after a difficult stretch under Kenny Payne.

The Cardinals enter the game led by senior guard Reyne Smith who is averaging 14.8 points per game while shooting 42.1% from three. In addition to Smith, Louisville boasts four other players averaging double figures as Kasean Pryor (12.8), Terrence Edwards (12.3), Chucky Hepburn (10.5), and J’Vonne Hadley (10.0) help lead the way for the Cardinals.

Tipoff is set for noon ET and will be on ESPN.

Below is the full preview of Indiana basketball vs Louisville.

More: Battle 4 Atlantis: 3 things to watch for Indiana basketball

Key Indiana basketball Storylines

This isn’t last year’s Louisville 

After winning just eight games last year, Louisville fired head coach Kenny Payne and replaced him with Charleston coach Pat Kelsey. Kelsey brought in 13 transfers and has rejuvenated the program after a difficult two years.

Transfers Chucky Hepburn and Reyne Smith lead the backcourt and will pose a difficult task for Myles Rice and Kanaan Carlyle.

Louisville will be a difficult test as both teams look to build a strong non-conference resume during the tournament. Louisville lost by 22 to Tennessee in a game they shot just 26.7% from the field.

Indiana basketball took down that Tennessee team in a preseason exhibition, but it is unlikely that Louisville will have that bad of a shooting performance again.

This game will also be a tone-setter for the rest of the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament as both teams want to put on a strong performance this week.

Keep shooting, Luke Goode 

Luke Goode’s addition was supposed to help improve the lack of three-point shooting that has plagued Indiana basketball, but the former Illinois gunner has struggled thus far.

Goode is just 3/12 from three through the first four games but will have a great opportunity to get himself going from beyond the arc this week.

While his struggles from three are concerning, it is important to remember it has only been four games. There is no need to hit the panic button as good shooters will have slumps from time to time.

Goode has shown his ability to shoot the three-ball over the last three years and should be able to get going from beyond the arc sooner rather than later. With three tough games this week, Goode will have a great chance to make a huge impact for Indiana basketball and show the value he provides moving forward.

Does Mike Woodson change his substitution patterns

Mike Woodson’s rotations have been a big storyline during the early part of the season.

The starting lineup for Indiana basketball has been the most successful lineup, but when Woodson has gone to lineups that feature just 1-2 starters, the Hoosiers have struggled.

Woodson’s rotations are eerily similar to those used in the NBA but have caused problems for Indiana basketball this year.

With three matchups against good programs upcoming this week, whether Woodson changes his substitution patterns or not will be a key story to follow.

Read: Key takeaways from the Indiana basketball 69-58 win over UNC-Greensboro

Series History

The Hoosiers lead the all-time series against the Cardinals 12-8. The first matchup between the schools occurred on Feb. 4, 1921, and was won by Indiana basketball 34-17.

The schools most recently faced off last season in New York where the Hoosiers won 74-66 led by Xavier Johnson’s 15 points. Malik Reneau and Kel’el Ware each added 12 in the victory.

Indiana basketball has won the last two meetings after snapping a four-game losing streak that lasted from 2003 to 2017.

SEE ALSO: Indiana Basketball Q&A: Mike Woodson and players preview Battle 4 Atlantis

Indiana basketball Injury Updates

Anthony Leal: Leal was listed as active against UNC Greensboro after missing the first three games of the season with a lower body injury but did not make his debut in the game.

Jakai Newton: Newton has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury and his status is unclear ahead of the game. He is listed as questionable.

Gabe Cupps: Cupps missed last week’s game against UNC Greensboro as out and has not seen the floor since playing 10 minutes against Eastern Illinois. He was not on the injury report.

Story: Indiana basketball flipped the script from years past with its perimeter play on Saturday. How? By having ‘three different guards that can do everything’

Quick Hitters

Who?: Indiana (4-0) vs Louisville (3-1)

When?: Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024 • 12:00 p.m. ET

Where?: Imperial Ballroom • Paradise Islands, Bahamas

TV: ESPN (Beth Mowins, Debbie Antonelli)

Radio: IU Radio Network (Austin Render, Errek Suhr, John Herrick)

Betting Lines: Indiana basketball is listed as a 3.5-point favorite according to FanDuel Sportsbook with an over/under set at 153.5.

SEE ALSO: Early rotation adjustments could propel Indiana basketball

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