Ahead of Texas Tech basketball's Sweet Sixteen contest against Arkansas on Thursday, the Red Raiders have received positive injury news on senior guard Chance McMillian.

Head coach Grant McCasland's No. 3 scoring leader is looking more on track to play against the Razorbacks, per RedRaiderSports.com. McMillan has been sidelined since leaving his last appearance against Baylor on March 13 during the Big 12 tournament.

“I’m getting better day by day in the training room,” McMillan said on Wednesday. “I strained my oblique pretty bad but my goal is to play tomorrow.”

Averaging the most minutes per game (33.0) than any of his teammates, McMillan is boasting 14.2 points on 43.4 three-point shooting, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 30 appearances this season.

“He's remarkable. I mean that in every way. He has allowed us to coach him and tell him the truth and give him the path that we felt gave him the chance to be the best player and best chance to help our team win.”

Chance McMillian could be the spark that Texas Tech basketball needs

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Basketball News
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) brings the ball up court against Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) during the fourth quarter in game three of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Arizona basketball shows TJ McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin love during NBA FinalsTroy Finnegan ·
Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari during the first half of a second round men’s NCAA Tournament game against the St. John's Red Storm at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
John Calipari gets 100% real on ‘expectation’ that comes with lucrative NIL numbersJake Faigus ·
A rack of basketballs with the March Madness logo before that start of the UCLA Bruins - Ohio State Buckeyes game at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom.
Fans debate possible NBA-like change in college hoopsScotty White ·
LSU Lady Tigers guard Flau'jae Johnson, left, celebrates with forward Angel Reese after defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies in semifinals of the women's Final Four of the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson gets brutally honest on Angel Reese relationship: ‘We’re not friends’Erin Achenbach ·
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Connecticut Huskies at Amalie Arena.
Dawn Staley throws ‘A’One Day’ in A’ja Wilson’s honor at South Carolina’s summer campZachary Draves ·
John Calipari poses for a photo with New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) girlfriend Jordyn Woods and his father Karl Towns Senior before the third quarter between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
John Calipari bluntly dismisses rumors around Knicks jobScotty White ·
Mar 5, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Chance McMillian (0) reacts after scoring against the Colorado Buffaloes in the second half at United Supermarkets Arena.
Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

The Red Raiders are going up against a tough SEC rival on Thursday – one that they may not be as familiar with since the Razorbacks have gone on their impressive run in the NCAA Tournament.

Texas Tech could use a boost against a team that is thriving off its own momentum. McCasland seems to be optimistic with McMillan's status, as well as whatever decision is made before the game.

“We're hopeful that he will play sooner rather than later. It's out of my hands, but I do believe we're getting close. Before it was hard for me to say… It's going to be a game-time decision. He's been remarkably resilient.”

Texas Tech will prepare to make its first Elite Eight appearance since 2018, but John Calipari and Arkansas won't be an easy out.