Tennessee basketball starting center Felix Okpara is a game-time decision for the Vols’ matchup against Auburn on Saturday night with a left calf injury according to the SEC Availability Report. It’s unclear when Carey suffered the injury. The Vols did not list Okpara on the Friday night injury report while the center was a full participant in Friday’s practice.
*Okpara is officially out for the game.
Okpara has started all 58 games for Tennessee over the last two seasons. This season, Okpara is averaging 6.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. He’s coming off one of his better games of the season, totaling six points and 11 rebounds in the Vols’ win over Georgia earlier this week.
The good news for Tennessee is that both Jaylen Carey and Troy Henderson are off the injury report and good to go against the Tigers. Tennessee listed both as “probable” on the Friday night injury report.
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If Okpara is unable to go, Tennessee will likely insert either Carey or DeWayne Brown into the starting lineup beside JP Estrella. Both will play more minutes if Okpara is unable to go. Tennessee could also play more four-guard lineups with Nate Ament at the four-spot.
Being without Okpara would be a significant loss for Tennessee. Okpara is one of the SEC’s best rim protectors and being without him against a stout offensive Auburn team is less than ideal.
Both Tennessee and Auburn come into Saturday night’s matchup playing well. Auburn has won four straight including an impressive road win at Florida. The Vols have won two straight on the road against Alabama and then Georgia. Tennessee is a 5.5-point favorite against the Tigers according to the DraftKings Sportsbook at the time of publication. The over/under is at at 148.5. KenPom predicts Tennessee to earn a 78-72 victory.
Tipoff between the Vols and Tigers is at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night. Dave Neal and Dane Bradshaw are on the call for ESPN.
