An Illinois team hit hard by injuries and illness will get guard Khalid Lewis back in time for Thursday's game at No. 5 Michigan State.

Illini coach John Groce said Wednesday that Lewis will return to the lineup against the Spartans (14-1, 1-1 Big Ten). Lewis missed games against Michigan and Ohio State while recovering from the mumps.

Groce says he has no idea when center Mike Thorne Jr. or forward Leron Black will start practicing again. Both are out with knee injuries.

Illinois (8-7, 0-2) has opened Big Ten play with a pair of losses.