Point guard Frank Williams, who bruised his tailbone against Iowa last Thursday, is expected to play against Northwestern Wednesday night.
Center Marcus Griffin, who bruised his backside against Michigan on Saturday, probably will not.
And so it goes for Illinois coach Bill Self, who can’t seem to get all his players healthy at the same time lately.
“Frank practiced some [Monday],” Self said on Tuesday. “Griff said he’d try today, but I don’t know how much he’ll be available. I don’t plan on having him. It would be a bonus if we did.”
If Griffin doesn’t play, junior forward Robert Archibald will get the start. His last start was Feb. 6, 2000. He’s averaging 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds off the bench.
Self said he expects Williams, who sat out the Michigan game, to be fine.
“If he doesn’t fall on it, he’ll play, as long as he plays well,” Self said.
Illinois (13-4, 3-1) has won 10 of the last 11 games against the Wildcats (7-9, 0-4), including last year’s 63-30 romp in Evanston.