Tennessee basketball could be without one of its top players for its Wednesday night matchup against Oklahoma. The Vols listed starting power forward JP Estrella doubtful on the SEC Availability Report as he deals with a “lower extremity” injury.
Estrella did not participate in early in Tennessee’s Tuesday practice. RTI did not attend the entire practice due to the baseball game so it’s uncertain if he did any work later in practice.
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.
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.
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.
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Injuries have plagued Estrella throughout his Tennessee tenure. He missed almost the entirety of last season after undergoing foot surgery. Estrella has missed, albeit limited, time earlier this season with both a knee and ankle injury earlier this season.
If Estrella indeed doesn’t play 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 12.5-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.
