Junior Markell Johnson Will Not Play for NC State vs. Notre Dame

For the second straight game, NC State will be without their staring Junior Point Guard Markell Johnson.

Junior guard Markell Johnson will not play today for @PackMensBball at Notre Dame.

— Craig Hammel (@Hammel_Craig) January 19, 2019

Johnson hurt his back in the Pittsburgh game with 10 minutes left in the first half, and didn’t return. The Wolfpack found a way to win without him against Pitt, but desperately needed him on the road in a loss against Wake Forest.

NC State is only a 2-point favorite on the road against Notre Dame, but that line was set without the knowledge of Johnson’s absence.

It will be interesting to see if Keatts has any more confidence in Blake Harris today. He only played 3 minutes against Wake Forest with Johnson out. If Harris can blossom, it will help Beverly do what he does best, playing off the ball, and hitting the shot off the pass.