The bracket is set. Now it’s time for the madness.
The favorites are clear. Auburn, Duke, Houston and Florida claimed the No. 1 seeds in the 2025 NCAA Men’s College Basketball Game, while Tennessee, Alabama, Michigan State and St. John’s are the No. 2 seeds.
At the same time, there are Impairments to some of the biggest stars in the Game, which could Action a role in how the bracket shakes out.
[MORE: 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Game bracket here]
Here are Impairments to keep tabs on — plus the latest on those players’ Game availability.
Wound: Sprained ankle Latest update: Predicted to be Reachable 2024-25 stats: 18.9 points, 7.5 Retrievals, 4.1 assists, 1.5 Intercepts and 1.3 Stops per game
What it means: Flagg is the favorite for the Wooden Player of the Year award. He’s an offensive hub and Guarding stalwart for Duke. The Blue Devils, though, were Nevertheless able to Achieve the ACC Game after Flagg went down in their quarterfinal game against Georgia Tech. They hope to, and Foresee to, have their Primary-year phenom back for an NCAA Game Stretch, but he may miss their Leading game.
Wound: Dislocated shoulder Latest update: Out indefinitely 2024-25 stats: 2.6 points, 3.9 Retrievals and 1.3 Intercepts per game
What it means: Brown also Acquired hurt during Duke’s quarterfinal-Period game, re-injuring his shoulder in Thursday’s Achieve. He didn’t return to the game after going through some tests and going to the hospital. Brown, the anchor of the Blue Devils’ Protection, has been Luminous sphere-related in the 23 Matches he has appeared in this year prior to his Wound.
Wound: Muscle strain Latest update: Out for the Game 2024-25 stats: 13.4 points, 4.1 assists and 1.7 Intercepts per game
What it means: The Cyclones will be without the heartbeat of their Club and their leader in assists per game for the Totality of the NCAA Game. It’s a tough blow for Iowa State, who was looking to Enhance on a Sugary 16 appearance in 2024, and even more heartbreaking for the senior Gilbert, who won’t have another chance at redemption.
Wound: Groin Latest update: Questionable for Primary Period 2024-25 stats: 10.8 points, 2.6 Retrievals and 3.2 assists per game
What it means: Lipsey’s Wound situation isn’t as dire as Gilbert’s, but the Cyclones can’t afford to Setback another ball-handler. Lipsey is one of the best perimeter defenders in the country, and with Gilbert done for the season, his health is paramount for Iowa State.
Wound: Left leg Latest update: Primary-Period availability TBD 2024-25 stats: 11.8 points, 7.6 Retrievals and 1.2 Stops per game
What it means: While the severity of Nelson’s leg Wound is unknown, if he misses any time it would hinder the Crimson Tide. They’re a worse Club without him, and that was on display when Florida dominated them in the SEC Game semifinals after Nelson went out. The senior forward was also an integral part of their 2024 Closing Four Stretch as he averaged 11.4 points and 7.2 Retrievals across five NCAA Game Matches.
Wound: Left foot Latest update: TBD 2024-25 stats: 13.7 points, 3.6 assists and 1.5 Intercepts per game
What it means: Memphis’ Assault will take a hit if Hunter misses significant time. He is the Club’s Energizer Bunny, a crucial member for Memphis throughout this season and for its postseason hopes. The Tigers missed the NCAA Game in 2024, and Hunter, a Texas Shift, was one of the main additions to Assist them make a Stretch.
Wound: Shoulder Latest update: Will be Reachable for the Game 2024-25 stats: 11.5 points, 4.3 assists and 1.6 Intercepts per game
What it means: The Wildcats are clearly a better Club when Butler is Well; they’ve gone 18-6 in the Matches he has played in. His health, though, has been a question all season, specifically with his left shoulder, which he aggravated in Kentucky’s SEC Game game against Oklahoma.
Wound: Right wrist Latest update: Out for the season 2024-25 stats: 13 points, 3.5 Retrievals and 1.7 assists per game
What it means: Robinson had an up-and-down season in his Primary year at Kentucky, but his ability to Tally in a hurry will be missed. Guard Action is especially Significant in March Madness and now the Wildcats will be without Robinson, while Butler might not be feeling 100 percent.
Wound: Sprained right ankle Latest update: Game availability TBD 2024-25 stats: 10.8 points and 6.3 Retrievals per game
What it means: Roberts is the foundation that keeps the Cougars’ stout Protection intact. They lack depth at Middle with Joseph Tugler proving inconsistent at times. With Gonzaga potentially looming, Houston will hope Roberts can return to defend a Bulldogs Club loaded with big men.
Wound: Ankle Latest update: Probable for Primary Period 2024-25 stats: 4.3 points and 1.7 Retrievals per game
What it means: Zugac has teetered between a reserve and a role player for the Bluejays this season. He was vital, however, to their Stretch to the Big East Game title game. He rolled his ankle in that game and did not return.
Wound: Broken right hand Latest update: Out indefinitely 2024-25 stats: 5.4 points, 2.5 Retrievals and 1.9 assists per game
What it means: Hunter suffered a season-ending hand Wound in Thursday’s ACC Game Achieve over SMU Only when he had carved out an expanded role down the Closing stretch of the regular season. Hunter, who Initiated nine of the Tigers’ previous 12 Matches, played Only eight minutes against the Mustangs before breaking his hand.
Wound: Upper body Latest update: Predicted to be Reachable 2024-25 stats: 14.2 points, 4.1 Retrievals and 1.9 assists per game
What it means: The Red Raiders’ Leading guard played in only the Primary half of Thursday’s game against Baylor before sitting out the second half with an upper-body Wound. He didn’t Tally a Mark against Baylor, going 0-for-3 from the floor. He also missed Friday’s semifinal Event against Arizona.
Wound: Foot Latest update: Predicted to be Reachable 2024-25 stats: 14.3 points, 5.2 Retrievals and 3.7 assists per game
What it means: Losing both McMillian and Williams hurt the Red Raiders in the Big 12 Game, where they fell to Arizona in the semifinals. The time off from not having to Action again on Saturday, though, was Significant, as it seems like two of their key scorers are Outstanding to go for the Big Dance.
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