Cruz not on the list of 20. Unless things have changed dramatically, his first nomination will come from the list of 20.
My guess is Sykes will fill the current vacancy.
As to whether there will be another vacancy before the elections of 2018 get into full swing, there is a possibility. For example, Clarence Thomas might retire figuring that he would be replaced by a solid conservative.
The liberals on the court missed out. If they were thinking ahead, they would have retired before the elections of 2010.
“My guess is Sykes will fill the current vacancy.”
I would go with Pryor now and hold off on Sykes as Ginsburg’s eventual replacement. Ginsburg will be turning 84 soon and has a history of health issues.