Tennessee could be facing a key absence in the paint Saturday night when the Vols host Auburn, as starting center Felix Okpara is officially listed as a game-time decision due to a left calf injury. The update comes via the SEC Availability Report, and while there’s no clear moment when Okpara sustained the injury, it’s worth noting he wasn’t listed on Friday night’s injury report and was a full participant in practice earlier that day. So, the situation is fluid heading into tipoff.
Okpara has been a steady presence for Tennessee, starting every game over the past two seasons - 58 straight, to be exact. He’s not the flashiest name on the roster, but his impact is undeniable.
This year, he’s averaging 6.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, anchoring the Vols' interior defense and giving them a reliable rim protector. He’s coming off a strong outing against Georgia earlier this week, where he pulled down 11 rebounds and chipped in six points in a win that showcased Tennessee’s toughness on the road.
If Okpara can’t go, it’s going to force some adjustments from head coach Rick Barnes. The most likely scenario would be sliding either Jaylen Carey or DeWayne Brown into the starting five next to JP Estrella.
Carey, who had been dealing with an injury himself, is now cleared to play, along with Troy Henderson - both were listed as “probable” on Friday’s injury report and are expected to be available. That’s a boost for Tennessee’s depth, especially if they need to go deeper into the rotation.
Another option on the table: a smaller, quicker lineup. The Vols could lean into four-guard sets with Nate Ament playing the four. That would give Tennessee more spacing and speed, but they’d be sacrificing size and rim protection - a trade-off that becomes more significant against a physical and efficient Auburn team.
And make no mistake, Auburn is rolling. The Tigers come into Knoxville riding a four-game winning streak, including a statement road win at Florida.
They’re playing with confidence and balance on both ends of the floor. Tennessee, though, is on a mini-run of its own, having knocked off Alabama and Georgia on the road in back-to-back games.
This is a matchup between two of the SEC’s hottest teams - and it’s shaping up to be a heavyweight battle.
The Vols are currently 5.5-point favorites, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, with the over/under set at 148.5. KenPom’s projection has Tennessee pulling out a 78-72 win, which feels about right given the way both teams are playing.
Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with Dave Neal and Dane Bradshaw on the call.
Whether Okpara suits up or not could go a long way in determining how this one plays out. His presence in the paint gives Tennessee a defensive edge - and against a team like Auburn, every edge matters.