Is Chloe Kitts playing tonight? Exploring South Carolina star's availability vs Duke (Dec 5)

Chloe Kitts has a healthy status going into Thursday's contest against Duke. She has no injuries listed, having played in seven of No. 3 South Carolina's eight games this season. The confirmation of her taking part in the matchup will be known before the 9 p.m. ET tip-off.

Kitts is going through the third year of her collegiate career. Coming off a national championship earlier this year as a starter, she looks to help the Gamecocks defend their title with another run in the NCAA Tournament.

Chloe Kitts making strides in South Carolina's offense

While not a primary scorer in South Carolina's offense, Chloe Kitts has continued finding ways to increase her overall scoring.

After seven games, Kitts is averaging 10.9 points, eight rebounds, and 1.1 steals on 50.9% shooting from the field. Her last performance against Purdue on Nov. 30 saw her put up 12 points, six rebounds, and a block on 4-of-4 shooting overall in 15 minutes of action.

Her inside presence has allowed South Carolina to dominate inside the arc with about 80% of their made shots having been in that area. The Gamecocks put up 80 points on 44.6% shooting from the field and 34.2% from three, while giving up just 54 points on 35.5% shooting overall and 35.1% from deep.

The Gamecocks have been more reliant on having a balanced offense, with five player putting up nine or more points with none having more than 12 points. Te-Hina Paopao leads the squad with 12 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.3 rebounds while MiLaysia Fulwiley is the team's spark plug off the bench with 10.8 points, three rebounds, and 1.8 assists.

They play a Duke squad that has an 8-1 record to begin the season. The Blue Devils put up 83.2 points per game on 48.3% shooting from the field and 38.9% from beyond the arc while beating their opponents by 19.1 points.

Reigan Richardson are Ashlon Jackson are notable players from their team; Richardson averages 15 points, 3.1 rebounds, and two assists on 48.1% shooting overall, and Jackson has the most three-pointers made with 22 and counting while providing 14.9 points per contest.

Chloe Kitts and No. 3 South Carolina will have a heavyweight matchup with No. 9 TCU at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. ET.