Tennessee’s Jordan Gainey in Question for Top-10 Showdown with Auburn – Will He Play?
Tennessee guard Jordan Gainey is battling flu-like symptoms ahead of Saturday’s crucial matchup against Auburn in Neville Arena. He has been listed as questionable for the game. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Gainey did not travel with the team bus from the airport to the hotel, instead traveling with the support staff. A final decision on his availability will be made close to game time.
Gainey, a key contributor for the Volunteers, ranks as the team’s third-leading scorer, averaging 11.2 points per game. The 6-foot-4 senior plays 27 minutes per contest in a sixth-man role. He also contributes 3.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals each game. His shooting efficiency includes a 42.3% field goal percentage and a 33.8% mark from three-point range.
In addition to Gainey’s status, guard Igor Milicic is listed as probable for the game. Milicic has been a regular starter for Tennessee, having played in all 19 games this season.
Tennessee enters the game with a 17-2 record, including a 4-2 mark in SEC play, while Auburn stands at 17-1 and is undefeated in conference play at 5-0. The Tigers, ranked No. 1 in the country, are favored by 6.5 points, according to ESPN Bet.
Auburn also faces injury concerns of its own. Forward Johni Broome, the Tigers’ leading scorer, has missed the last two games due to an ankle injury. Broome is listed as questionable, with a decision on his status expected to be made close to tip-off. If he plays, he is expected to be on a minutes restriction.
The high-stakes game between these two top-10 teams will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Both teams will look to secure a crucial victory in this heated SEC showdown.
