For the basketball game between Tennessee and LSU, two players are listed as out.

As college basketball fans know, injuries and player absences can significantly impact a team’s performance, particularly in high-stakes games against tough opponents. For the Tennessee Volunteers, the upcoming matchup against LSU was always going to be a crucial one in their quest for an SEC title and a strong position heading into March Madness. However, with two key players listed as out for the game, the Vols now faced a daunting challenge that could alter the dynamics of the contest. This development has left both Tennessee fans and analysts wondering how the team will respond and whether they have enough depth to overcome the absence of these critical players.

In this article, we’ll break down the implications of the absences, identify who will be missing from the lineup, and explore how Tennessee might adapt to these changes. Additionally, we’ll examine the strengths of both teams and how the game might unfold, taking into account the injuries and the strategies that could be employed.

The Players Missing: Who is Out?

Before diving into the game itself, it’s important to understand which players are being sidelined and how their absences might affect the team.

Player 1: Zakai Zeigler

One of the most significant losses for Tennessee is the absence of sophomore guard Zakai Zeigler. Zeigler has been a dynamic player for the Volunteers this season, contributing both offensively and defensively. His ability to run the offense, distribute the ball, and create opportunities for his teammates has made him an essential part of Tennessee’s backcourt.

Zeigler has also been a key player on defense, known for his tenacity and ability to disrupt passing lanes. His quickness allows him to guard multiple positions, and his leadership on the floor has been invaluable to the team’s defensive schemes. With Zeigler out, Tennessee will be missing one of their best ball handlers and defensive stoppers, which could create some challenges, especially against a team like LSU that thrives on speed and transition play.

Player 2: Josiah-Jordan James

The second major absence for Tennessee is Josiah-Jordan James, the senior forward who has been a consistent force for the Vols. James is known for his versatility and all-around game, contributing not only as a scorer but also as a rebounder, playmaker, and defender. He has been a key player for Tennessee in both offensive and defensive schemes, and his leadership on the court has been critical, especially for a team with several younger players.

James’ ability to stretch the floor as a forward who can shoot the three-ball makes him a matchup problem for opposing teams. Additionally, his experience and defensive presence provide balance for the Volunteers, particularly in the paint and on the perimeter. Without James, Tennessee will be missing a player who can guard multiple positions, contribute to both ends of the floor, and provide a calming presence in high-pressure situations.

The Impact of Their Absences

Losing two key players like Zeigler and James is a significant blow to Tennessee’s chances in any game, but especially against a formidable opponent like LSU. While Tennessee has one of the most talented rosters in the country, these two players play crucial roles in the team’s success.

Offensive Adjustments

Without Zeigler and James, Tennessee will need to adjust their offensive game plan. Zeigler’s playmaking ability is something that cannot be easily replaced. His speed, vision, and ability to facilitate the offense have made him one of the team’s most valuable players. Without him, Tennessee’s offense could struggle to maintain its rhythm, and they may need to rely on other guards, like Santiago Vescovi or Tyreke Key, to take on more ball-handling responsibilities.

Vescovi, a senior guard known for his three-point shooting and leadership, will likely have to step up as the primary ball handler in Zeigler’s absence. While Vescovi is a capable point guard, he is more effective as a shooting guard and off-ball scorer. Thus, the Volunteers will need to figure out how to incorporate his strengths into the offense while compensating for the loss of Zeigler’s speed and playmaking. Tyreke Key, another experienced guard, will also need to take on a larger role in running the offense and helping with scoring, especially if Vescovi is forced to focus more on creating for others.

James’ absence will also impact the offense. The forward has been a reliable scoring option, particularly from beyond the arc and in transition. Without James, Tennessee may have to lean more on other forwards like Olivier Nkamhoua or Uros Plavsic to contribute offensively. Nkamhoua, known for his physicality and rebounding, will likely take on a larger role in the frontcourt. While he is a strong presence in the paint, his ability to stretch the floor and contribute to outside shooting is less pronounced than James’. This means that Tennessee’s offense may struggle with spacing and perimeter shooting.

Defensive Adjustments

Both Zeigler and James are key players on defense, and their absence could be felt even more keenly on that end of the floor. Zeigler, with his ability to disrupt passing lanes and lock down opposing guards, is a major loss for Tennessee’s defensive schemes. His quickness and defensive IQ allow him to shut down ball handlers and force turnovers, often leading to fast-break opportunities for the Vols. Without him, Tennessee’s perimeter defense could suffer, and LSU might have more success driving to the basket or finding open looks from beyond the arc.

James, on the other hand, has been a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. His ability to defend both inside and on the perimeter allows Tennessee to switch defensive schemes and adapt to different matchups. Without James, the Volunteers will need other players, such as Vescovi or Nkamhoua, to step up defensively. Vescovi is a solid defender, but he is not as versatile as James when it comes to guarding larger forwards or centers. Similarly, Nkamhoua’s primary strength is his interior defense and rebounding, so he may need to play a bigger role in helping to protect the paint.

In general, Tennessee will need to rely on their depth to make up for these absences. They have a talented roster, but they will have to adjust their defensive rotations and schemes to maintain their defensive identity. LSU, known for their fast pace and transition play, will likely try to exploit the absence of Zeigler and James by attacking the basket and running the floor. Tennessee’s ability to contain LSU’s guards and limit fast-break opportunities will be crucial in overcoming these absences.

LSU’s Strengths and How Tennessee Can Respond

While Tennessee will be without two key players, LSU is not without their own challenges. The Tigers have had a solid season, but they’ve also struggled with consistency at times. Their strength lies in their fast-paced offense and ability to score in transition, which plays to their athleticism. LSU’s guards, including Adam Miller and KJ Williams, can score from anywhere on the floor, and the team likes to push the ball up the court quickly, trying to get easy baskets before the defense can set up.

Tennessee will need to focus on slowing down LSU’s transition game and forcing them into half-court offense. With Zeigler’s absence, the Volunteers may struggle with perimeter defense, but they can compensate by playing physical defense in the paint and limiting second-chance opportunities. The Volunteers’ defense has been one of their strongest attributes all season, and they will need to rely on that to stay in the game and keep LSU from getting easy buckets.

Another potential key for Tennessee will be controlling the tempo. Without Zeigler and James, Tennessee may not be able to run the floor as effectively, but they can still dictate the pace by playing solid half-court defense and running set plays on offense. They will need to avoid getting into a track meet with LSU, as this would favor the Tigers’ athleticism and speed. Instead, Tennessee should focus on executing in the half-court, running plays for Vescovi and Nkamhoua, and using their size and depth to wear down LSU over the course of the game.

Tennessee’s bench depth will also be a factor in this game. Players like Julian Phillips and Tyreke Key will need to step up and contribute more than usual. Phillips, a talented freshman forward, has the potential to be a difference-maker, and Key’s experience will be crucial in helping the team stay composed and focused in a high-pressure game. Tennessee has a deep bench, and they will need to rely on that depth to stay competitive and give their starters much-needed rest.