Tennessee power forward JP Estrella is out for the Vols’ matchup against Oklahoma according to the SEC Availability Report. The Vols listed Estrella as doubtful on the Tuesday night report before ruling him out for the game due to left foot soreness.
Estrella is day-to-day moving forward with Tennessee not expecting him to miss too much time. The redshirt sophomore power forward missed nearly the entirety of the 2024-25 season after undergoing left foot surgery. While dealing with a left foot injury again is concerning, Tennessee does not view this injury as nearly as serious as the one that cost him last season.
It’s unclear when Estrella suffered the injury. He totaled 16 points and nine rebounds in 28 minutes against LSU on Saturday night and did not seem to suffer an injury at any point.
Injuries have been a main story in Estrella’s college career. He missed, albeit limited, time earlier this season with both a knee and ankle injury earlier this season.
The 6-foot-11 power forward is averaging 9.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game this season. His role has seriously increased over the last month after Rick Barnes inserted him into the starting lineup against Alabama.
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Estrella has steadily improved with the bigger role and is averaging 11.7 points and seven rebounds in the seven games since moving into the starting lineup.
With Estrella out against Oklahoma, the Vols will likely insert freshman DeWayne Brown into the starting lineup in his place. Brown has started 10 games for Tennessee this season and is averaging 5.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Jaylen Carey, who is averaging 7.9 points and six rebounds, would also earn more playing time.
Oklahoma uses a small-ball lineup which could force Tennessee to play Nate Ament minutes at the four-spot with just one big man. The Vols have used that roster at times this season but not consistently.
Tennessee is 11.5-point favorites over Oklahoma according to the FanDuel Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 149.5. Tipoff between the Vols and Sooners is at 7 p.m. ET at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. ESPN2 is broadcasting the game.
