Tennessee basketball is unbeaten and top-ranked heading into SEC play.
The No. 1 Vols (13-0) host Arkansas (11-2) on Saturday (1 p.m. ET, ESPN) as former Vols forward Jonas Aidoo and former Kentucky coach John Calipari come to Food City Center.
Here is what to know about the matchup:
Tennessee is seeing John Calipari again − in a new color
Tennessee is facing longtime foe Calipari but in a new uniform and with a new team. Calipari was hired at Arkansas in April after 15 seasons at Kentucky.
“He’s always been a great basketball coach everywhere he has been,” Vols coach Rick Barnes said. “It doesn’t matter where he goes. He turns things around quickly, wins games and the teams are all always so fundamentally sound.”
Barnes had an 11-10 record against Kentucky with Calipari as the coach. Calipari went 410-123 with the Wildcats.
Arkansas guard Johnell Davis dealing with wrist injury
Johnell Davis is dealing with a wrist injury that has kept him out of the past two games. Arkansas assistant coach Kenny Payne indicated the talented guard has been practicing and is getting better.
Davis is averaging 9.2 points and shooting 38.8% on 3-pointers.
“You go in preparing for guys to play,” Barnes said. “That’s what you expect.”
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Davis was Arkansas’ biggest pull in the transfer portal after he left Florida Atlantic, where he averaged 18.2 points last season. Davis was on the Owls’ team that upset Tennessee in the Sweet 16 of the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
Darlinstone Dubar has more to give still for Tennessee
Darlinstone Dubar remains the most unknown piece for Tennessee this season.
The high-scoring Hofstra transfer has given glimpses of his scoring prowess, but Barnes said the Vols don’t totally know what they will get from Dubar yet. They know there is more to come, though.
“We believe in him,” Barnes said.
Dubar is averaging 4.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 11.5 minutes. He played 16 minutes at Illinois, chipping in key plays in the significant win. He had a season-high 13 points in the following game against Western Carolina but has played eight minutes in each of UT’s past two games.
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The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 17.8 points at Hofstra last season. He missed four games while dealing with a personal matter and another while in concussion protocol.
Tennessee vs Arkansas injury updates
Tennessee is dealing with a handful of injuries.
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Forward J.P. Estrella is out for the season after having foot surgery in late November.
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Guard Jahmai Mashack has a left finger injury but has continued to play. He sat for much of the second half against Norfolk State on Tuesday.
How to watch Tennessee vs Arkansas: Time, TV channel, live stream
Tennessee vs. Arkansas airs on ESPN at 1 p.m. ET Saturday. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Tennessee vs Arkansas score prediction
Tennessee 71, Arkansas 66: The Vols reach 14-0 for the second time in program history with a win to open SEC play.
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson or Bluesky @bymikewilson.bsky.social. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: No. 1 Tennessee basketball vs Arkansas score prediction: Latest news
