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NCAA Basketball: Injury Report (Is Miles Bridges close to a return?)

By Carmine Carcieri

Dec 6, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; (Left to right) Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (not dressed) guard Cassius Winston (5) and guard Kyle Ahrens (0) celebrate from the bench during the second half against the Youngstown State Penguins at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Spartans win 77-57. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; (Left to right) Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (not dressed) guard Cassius Winston (5) and guard Kyle Ahrens (0) celebrate from the bench during the second half against the Youngstown State Penguins at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Spartans win 77-57. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 30, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Josh Newkirk (2) dribbles the ball as North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) defends during the first half at Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Josh Newkirk (2) dribbles the ball as North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) defends during the first half at Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Joel Berry II expected to play for North Carolina

While OG Anunoby’s presence is critical for Indiana, junior point guard Joel Berry II’s status is more important to North Carolina’s overall success.

Berry suffered an ankle injury in North Carolina’s victory over Radford, and has missed the last two games. In both of those outings, against Davidson and Tennessee, the Tar Heels nearly lost on their home floor.

The good news: Berry is expected to be back in the Tar Heels’ starting lineup for their big showdown versus Kentucky on Saturday.

Berry is averaging 14.8 points, 4.7 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game so far this season. He is also shooting a solid 45 percent from the field, 36 percent from long range and 86 percent from the free throw line.

With Berry in the lineup, the Tar Heels’ offense flows much better. Nate Britt is a solid backup at the point guard position but he thrives in transition and on defense. He’s not as good of a scorer and shooter as Berry, and is definitely not as good of a playmaker.

There’s no word on how many minutes Berry will be able to play tomorrow or how healthy he actually is, but regardless, the Tar Heels have a much better shot at beating Kentucky with him in the lineup.

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