Rutgers is off to a rough start in Big Ten play while relying heavily on two projected lottery picks, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper

Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell explained what Rutgers star Dylan Harper was dealing with during his team's loss to Wisconsin.

Wisconsin (12-3, 2-2) shot 53 percent from the field. With freshman forward Ace Bailey, who was just named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, unable to get going (9 points on 3-of-16 shooting, 7 rebounds, 5 fouls), Rutgers’ offense was dead in the water.

The Badgers seek their first road win of the season Monday at Rutgers where they're expected to face two of the nation's top freshmen.

Dylan Harper’s absence for Thursday night’s game against Indiana was a game-time decision due to illness, but the Rutgers star is expected to return for Monday night’s game against Wisconsin in Piscataway,

It's important to have Harper in the lineup. He leads the Big Ten with 22.8 points per game. Along with fellow freshman phenom Ace Bailey, Harper has made Rutgers must-watch telev

While Dylan Harper is expected to make a much-needed return to the court on Monday, it is not a guarantee. The star Rutgers freshman was listed as questionable on the mandatory pregame availability report the team filed to the Big Ten ahead of a crucial home matchup with Wisconsin.