While Kentucky faces questions surrounding the health of its best player entering a Sweet 16 matchup with Houston, the Cougars look primed to keep the momentum from their 31-win season going. Kentucky will be looking for its 38th Elite 8 appearance while Houston is seeking its sixth trip there.

[RELATED: Up-to-Date List of College Basketball Coaching Changes]

Overview

Date/Time: Friday, March 29, 9:59 p.m. ET

kenpom.com projection: Kentucky def. Houston 68-66

Betting Line: Kentucky -2.5 (Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook)

Location: Kansas City

No. 2 seed Kentucky

The biggest question for the Wildcats is the status of PJ Washington. The sophomore averaged 14.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting 51.5 percent from the floor and 41.9 percent from deep. He would be huge for a Kentucky team that struggles at times to generate offense.

Kentucky has the ninth-best defense in the country, according to kenpom.com, and has held opponents to 44 and 56 points in two tournament games. Sure, Wofford’s Fletcher Magee went uncharacteristically cold in one of those contests, but Kentucky’s gameplan was part of that performance — the Wildcats made sure he didn’t get a single easy look all game.

On offense, Kentucky is the 11th most efficient team according to kenpom.com. Keldon Johnson and Tyler Herro will be key if Washington isn’t good to go, and big man Reid Travis needs to keep up his hot play. Guard Ashton Hagans made some questionable shot-selection choices against Wofford, but he provided control for a team that appeared reckless at times. In what is likely to be a low-scoring, defensive game, each possession will be crucial.

No. 3 seed Houston

The Cougars are a strong defensive outfit themselves, featuring the 12th most efficient unit on that end of the floor. Houston also has the best 3-point percentage defense and fifth best two-point percentage defense in college basketball. This team will be ready to stymie the Wildcats regardless of Washington’s status.

Armoni Brooks struggled in both of Houston’s NCAA Tournament games so far, but he’s going to need to support Corey Davis Jr. if the Cougars want to keep their dream season going. Expect coach Kelvin Sampson to get Brooks some easy opportunities early in an effort to get his confidence rolling.

Houston has experience with four seniors and three juniors leading the way, and while the Cougars might not be as naturally talented as the young Wildcats, they have tournament experience. That could play a big factor in what should be a close contest.

MORE: A Chalky Opening Weekend in the NCAA Tournament Means the Best Is (Hopefully) Yet to Come