Kentucky vs Ole Miss: Injury Report, Starting 5 & More as Mark Pope Have a Problem to Fix for SEC Clash

The Kentucky Wildcats are gearing up for a high-stakes SEC clash against Ole Miss, but head coach Mark Pope has a few headaches to sort out before tip-off. And what can be an upset even before the game starts? Yes, injury. With key players nursing injuries and lineup decisions looming, Pope’s squad faces a tough test against a gritty Ole Miss team. But as the SEC race heats up, the team will look forward to bringing back its stars. But until when?

The Wildcats have flashed brilliance this season but lacked consistency. Of course, one problem with the blue-white jersey team is its injury. The Wildcats are losing a great defender, a forward, as well as some semblance of an on-court playmaker; thus, Pope will have to get creative in filling spots against an Ole Miss team that lives to push the tempo.

Mark Pope navigates injury challenges as key forward fights back

The injury bug just won‘t leave Lamont Butler alone this season. The latest update? Kentucky’s fifth-year guard is out for Tuesday’s game at Ole Miss because of his lingering shoulder issue. That will be Butler‘s fourth missed game of the year, and it’s a tough blow for the Wildcats. And why does it hurt? Lamont Butler has been their best on-field defender and a maker this season; thus, the absence of Butler against the Rebels is a huge plus for the opponents.

With Butler sidelined once again, Kentucky Wildcats‘ depth takes another hit—but he’s not the only one from the team battling injuries. Andrew Carr’s back issues have also been a major talking point, and his journey has been anything but smooth.

 The Wildcats‘ starting power forward began experiencing nagging spasms at the end of December, and it has been a rollercoaster ride since then. Carr, who’s missed just two games in his entire five-year college career, sat out the Vanderbilt loss in January after the pain became too much to bear. There is some encouraging news, however—Carr says he is finally starting to turn a corner.

“Feeling good, feeling good,” Carr told reporters earlier this week. “It was a tough stretch for a bit, but I’m starting to stabilize and feel a whole lot better.” He’s been working closely with the training staff to manage the injury, even rocking a heat belt on the bench for extra support.

HC Mark Pope has been cautious about the minutes handed to Carr, not wanting to add more stress to the injury. After playing only 89 seconds versus Tennessee, Carr played the most in more than two weeks against Arkansas last Saturday, logging 15 minutes. While he managed just three points and four rebounds, it is still a sign.

The Wildcats have been struggling lately, losing three of their last four games. Ansley Almonor has stepped up in Carr’s absence, but Kentucky relies on Carr’s experience on the court. Despite nagging back issues, Carr averages 10 points and 4 rebounds per game in SEC play. That’s not too shabby for a guy who’s been playing through pain.

Meanwhile, Ole Miss isn’t exactly in the clear either—their standout wing, Matthew Murrell, is questionable with an undisclosed issue. The uncertainty around both players cranks up the drama for what’s already shaping up to be a must-watch showdown.

Mark Pope seeks starting lineup stability ahead of the game

Mark Pope’s starting lineup has been about as unpredictable as a toaster that only works when it feels like. One game, it’s perfectly fine; the next, it’s burning everything in sight. The Wildcats’ lineup has been nothing but the revolving door of all seasons, and Pope is still on the hunt for the right combination to unlock this team’s full potential. Add Andrew Carr’s return to the equation, and the guessing game is all the more enticing.

Last game, the Wildcats went with Ansley Almonor, Amari Williams, Otega Oweh, Jaxson Robinson, and Koby Brea. If Carr is ready to roll, he likely will slip back into the starting five, making Almonor a man of the bench, but that seems unlikely. That might help Kentucky a great deal, particularly on the defensive end and on the glass. However, Mark Pope has shown that he is not afraid to mix things up, so he should not be shocked if he tries to throw one at them.

Since there is still no current confirmation from Ole Miss about Matthew, he is still a count on the roster.

Kentucky Wildcats:

• Andrew Carr#7
• Amari Williams#22
• Otega Oweh#0
• Jaxson Robinson#2
• KobyBrea#4

• Malik Dia#0
• Sean Pedulla#3
• Matthew Murrell#11
• Dre Davis#14
• Jaylen Murray#5

Both teams are battling through setbacks, and expect a gritty, high-energy contest where every possession counts. Buckle up—this one is shaping up to be a must-watch on Tuesday, 7 p.m. EST. According to ESPN Analytics, the Wildcats have a 41.6% chance to pull off the win. While the Rebels might start as favorites, and those numbers might not inspire a ton of confidence for Big Blue Nation. But games are played to cause upset, right?