Tennessee basketball starting power forward JP Estrella is questionable for the Vols’ matchup against Missouri according to the SEC injury report with a left foot injury. Reserve wing Clarence Massamba is out against the Tigers with a hip injury.
Estrella has missed Tennessee’s last two games due to left foot soreness. He was a partial participant in the Vols’ Monday afternoon practice open to the media. The 6-foot-11 power forward did five-on-five work but also spent time on a stationary bike.
“I know he’s doing everything in his power to get back as fast as he can,” Tennessee assistant coach Amorrow Morgan said Monday. “I know he’s getting treatment right now two or three times a day. Like, he wants to be back. And we know that. We need the Moose— is what we call him. Like, he has such strong legs. We need him back. He’s such a dominant force on the offensive glass, and he adds another layer of depth and just another layer of skill. But I know he’s doing everything he can, so hopefully he’ll be back. If not, he’s just going to keep working until that time comes.”
Tennessee listed Estrella as a game-time decision against Vanderbilt on Saturday but he did not dress out or end up playing against the Commodores.
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Estrella’s last game was a 16-point, nine-rebound performance against LSU. The foot injury was particularly concerning because Estrella missed nearly the entire 2024-25 season after undergoing foot surgery. However, all x-rays have come back negative.
“Feet problems are hard to get right,” Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said. “But based on where the screw was placed and all that — and again I probably shouldn’t be talking about it because Chad knows it. But I don’t think that is a problem where the surgery itself (happened). It’s just some soreness set in and we just have to get it quieting down.”
The 6-foot-11 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.
If Estrella is unable to go against Missouri, both Vanderbilt transfer power forward Jaylen Carey and freshman power forward DeWayne Brown could play a significant role.
Tennessee basketball is 3.5-point favorites against Missouri according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 144.5. KenPom predicts Tennessee to earn a 75-70 victory over Missouri. Tipoff between Tennessee and Missouri is at 9 p.m. ET at Mizzou Arena on Tuesday night in Columbia. The SEC Network is broadcasting the game.
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