Star guard J.J. Starling is out for the SEC-ACC Challenge matchup between Syracuse and Tennessee on Tuesday night, the Orange announced in a release. He is battling a left hand injury and is out for an indefinite amount of time according to the release.
Starling is Syracuse’s leading scorer so far this season, totaling 19.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and three assists. The junior guard is shooting 46.8% from the field and 29% from three-point range this season.
The 6-foot-4 shooting guard is the top offensive player for the Orange. Starling is averaging 36 minutes per game and leads the Orange in offensive usage and percentage of shots taken. A number of Syracuse players will have to step up in Starling’s absence, most notably guard Jaquan Carlos and forward Chris Bell.
More From RTI: How to Watch No. 3 Tennessee Basketball vs. Syracuse In SEC-ACC Challenge
Even with its top offensive option, Syracuse is off to a rough start to the season and enters the SEC-ACC Challenge with a 4-2 record. The Orange suffered losses against Texas and Texas Tech while earning narrow victories over La Moyne, Colgate and Youngstown State.
Tennessee is off to a red-hot start to the season with an undefeated November to open the season including power five wins over Louisville, Virginia and Baylor. The Vols have climbed all the way to No. 3 in the AP Poll and occupied the top-spot in the season’s inaugural NET rankings.
Tennessee is currently 22-point favorites over the Orange according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 142.5.
Tipoff between Tennessee and Syracuse is at 7:30 p.m. ET at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Tuesday night. Dave Pasch and Sean Farnham are on the call for ESPN.
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