Kentucky unsure if PJ Washington will play in Sweet 16 vs. Houston

Kentucky is still unsure whether they’ll have PJ Washington for Friday’s Sweet 16 matchup with Houston. But could he return if they make the Elite 8?

PJ Washington had the cast removed from his sprained foot but remains questionable for Kentucky’s game with Houston on Friday.

Washington will test the sprained foot he injured in the SEC Tournament semifinal loss vs. Tennessee back on March 16 at practice on Thursday. How well he feels and can move and how well the foot responds to the activity will give Kentucky’s medical staff a better idea when they can anticipate Washington’s return to the lineup.

He’s been Kentucky’s best player and their spark this year after averaging 14.8 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Coach John Calipari and Kentucky didn’t necessarily need Washington for their first two games in the NCAA Tournament. However, his presence likely means the Wildcats aren’t sweating out the final moments of their Round of 32 game vs. Wofford.

Could Kentucky beat Houston without Washington?

Maybe, but they’d much rather not have to go too much further without their best player as the competition gets tougher and the level of talent gets dramatically better with each round. If Kentucky is able to get past Houston, they’ll await the winner of North Carolina vs. Auburn who tip off on Friday night, for a trip to the Final Four on the line.

Assuming Washington is unable to go vs. Houston, the expectation is Washington will test out his foot with the hope of playing vs. North Carolina. Even if Washington is on a minutes restriction or not quite 100 percent, Kentucky needs Washington if they’re going to get past North Carolina. Now, if they’re playing Auburn, perhaps they try to gamble a little bit and rest him one more game so he has a full week to get healthy for the Final Four.

But first things first, the Wildcats have to get past Houston on Friday when they may or may not have Washington.