Is Kiki Rice playing today? Exploring UCLA star's availability vs Michigan (Jan 1)

Kiki Rice has a healthy status going into Wednesday's matchup against the No. 24 Michigan Wolverines. She has no injuries listed, having played in the last 10 games for the No. 1 UCLA Bruins. The confirmation of her participation will be known before the 5 p.m. ET tipoff.

Rice is progressing through the third season of her collegiate career. She has been with the program since 2022, having helped the Bruins reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in her first two campaigns.

Kiki Rice's impact for UCLA this year is crystal clear

Kiki Rice has played a significant role in helping the Bruins stay undefeated to conclude 2024, on top of having the top spot in the AP Top 25.

After 10 games, Rice is averaging 13.0 points, 3.4 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. She is shooting 59.8%, including 37.5% from beyond the arc, both on pace for career highs.

Her role as the second scoring option has worked well for the Bruins. She has reached double-digits in six of the last seven games, proving that she has been consistent in providing important production to the major benefit of her team.

UCLA will look to keep its perfect record unscathed as it maintains its rhythm from 2024. It's averaging 83.5 ppg on 49.6% shooting (32.5% from beyond the arc), dominating opponents by a winning margin of 32.5 ppg. The Bruins assert themselves when they crash the glass and move the ball, grabbing 47.7 rpg and creating 20.5 apg as a result.

They face a Wolverines squad that is 10-3. The Wolverines have a solid defense that limits opponents to 57.7 ppg on 36.3% shooting, including 23.2% from downtown, winning their games by 24.0 ppg. Their scoring trio of Olivia Olsen, Syla Swords and Jordan Hobbs combines for 44.2 ppg, paving this to be an intriguing matchup for both teams.

After this game, Kiki Rice and the No. 1 Bruins will be on the road when they play the Indiana Hoosiers at noon ET on Saturday.