Wed Dec 31 02:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Louisville Set to Open ACC Play with Key Players Returning, Forward Sidelined

BERKELEY, CA – The No. 13 Louisville Cardinals (10-2) are poised to potentially regain two key players, guards Mikel Brown Jr. and Kobe Rodgers, as they kick off ACC play against the California Golden Bears (12-1) tonight. However, forward Kasean Pryor is expected to miss the game.

According to the ACC injury report, freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. is listed as probable for the matchup. Redshirt Senior Kobe Rodgers is not on the injury list. Head Coach Pat Kelsey stated that both Brown and Rodgers fully participated in Sunday’s practice, signaling their potential return.

Brown, a projected lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has been sidelined since December 13th due to a lower back injury. Prior to his injury, Brown was the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 16.6 points and leading the team with 5.1 assists per game. Rodgers, a key bench player averaging 4.9 points and tied for the team lead in steals, also missed the last game after suffering a blow to the head in the loss against Tennessee.

While the potential return of Brown and Rodgers provides a boost, the Cardinals will be without forward Kasean Pryor. The ACC injury report does not detail the nature of Pryor’s injury. Pryor has missed time this season due to a previous ACL tear and concussion protocol. He has averaged 3.1 points and 2.6 rebounds per game this season.

“We had two point guards out; other guys had to step up,” Kelsey said Monday, “That’s part of a season. That’s part of the ebbs and flows of what happens. It’s, ‘No excuses, no explanations.'”

Sophomore Adrian Wooley filled in for Brown in the starting lineup in recent games, while other players have stepped up in the point guard positions.

The Cardinals face a tough test against a confident California team. “They’re playing with an unbelievable amount of confidence,” Kelsey said. “It’s going to be one heck of a challenge.”

Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on the ACC Network. Chris Sylvester will provide play-by-play commentary, with Ben Braun as the analyst. Fans can also stream the game via ESPN.com, the ESPN app, and Fubo.

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