Ahead of the March Madness title game, Michigan and UConn have major injury worries

Ahead of today’s men’s March Madness title game, which sees the Michigan Wolverines take on the UConn Huskies in Indiana, injuries to key players have set off alarm bells on both sides.

UConn set for late Ball call

For the Huskies, the concern centers on Solo Ball. The point guard did not practice and was seen wearing a walking boot due to what head coach Dan Hurley confirmed was a foot sprain. Ball’s progress will determine his availability, but all signs point to a last‑minute decision. His potential absence hits directly at the heart of UConn’s playmaking - stripping the Huskies of control, tempo, and a vital piece on both ends of the floor.

Lendeborg worry for Wolverines

For Michigan, the outlook is no brighter. The Wolverines head into the NCAA decider with question marks hanging over Yaxel Lendeborg. The Puerto Rican forward suffered a sprained ankle and knee in the National Semifinals and, although he returned after halftime against Arizona, his mobility raised plenty of questions. The team’s internal read is optimistic and his presence in the Championship Game appears likely - though far from guaranteed.

The impact of these potential losses goes well beyond the names themselves. UConn may be forced to rethink its offensive structure without its starting point guard, while Michigan would lose physical versatility and defensive range without one of its most complete players.

Michigan vs UConn: Tipoff times, how to watch in the U.S.

In the 2026 National Championship Game, the Wolverines and the Huskies face off at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, with tipoff scheduled for 8:50 p.m. ET/5:50 p.m. PT. Viewers in the U.S. can watch the matchup on TBS/TNT/truTV.

UConn is chasing its seventh NCAA title - and its third in four years - while Michigan is bidding to win its second national championship. Beaten in their last four March Madness finals, the Wolverines’ only tournament triumph so far was in 1989.

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