Tennessee center Felix Okpara is a “game-time” decision for the Vols’ rivalry matchup against Kentucky on Saturday night according to the SEC Availability Report. Guards Troy Henderson and Amaree Abram are both off the report and will be available.
*Okpara is out on the court with the teams going through pregame warmups
*Okpara is going to try and give it a go but it will likely be in limited minutes if so
Okpara has missed Tennessee’s last two games with a “left calf” injury that has been giving him issues. Rick Barnes said he suffered the injury in the Vols’ overtime win at Georgia. Okpara finished the game before Tennessee added him to the Auburn injury report the day of the game as a game-time decision.
The senior center did not practice Thursday following the Ole Miss game but returned to practice in a more limited role Friday. Okpara started practice by receiving treatment and doing some individual shooting before doing some five-on-five work the back half of practice.
The 6-foot-11 center has started 58 games for Tennessee over the last two seasons, accounting for every game ahead of the Vols matchup against Auburn. This season, Okpara is averaging 6.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.
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In his absence, freshman DeWayne Brown has moved back to the starting lineup beside JP Estrella while Jaylen Carey plays major minutes off the bench. The trio played well against Auburn Saturday combining for 31 points and 17 rebounds in the victory.
They were less effective against Ole Miss but still played relatively well, combining for 21 points and 17 rebounds in the victory over the Rebels.
Tennessee has won four straight games dating back to its loss against Kentucky on Saturday, Jan. 17. The Vols earned impressive road wins at Alabama and Georgia before taking care of business at home against Auburn and Ole Miss.
The Wildcats have won seven out of its last eight after dropping its first two games in SEC play. Kentucky earned their best win of the season last Saturday, knocking off Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Kentucky opened as 1.5-point favorites over Tennessee according to the DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 144.5. KenPom predicts the Wildcats to earn a 73-72 victory. Tipoff from Rupp Arena is at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night. Karl Ravech and Jimmy Dykes are on the call for ESPN.
