Tennessee forward Cade Phillips is questionable for the Vols’ top 10 tilt at Florida on Tuesday night according to the SEC Availability Report.
Phillips suffered a left shoulder injury early in the second half of the Vols’ 76-52 win over Arkansas on Saturday afternoon. The 6-foot-9 forward came back into the game after suffering the injury but played only briefly in the second half.
The sophomore power forward was a very limited participant in Tennessee’s practice on Monday. He mostly worked off to the side but did some brief five-on-five work at the end of practice when they were going through scouting action at 50% speed.
Phillips was wearing a sleeve on his left shoulder similar to what Bishop Boswell has been wearing in recent weeks since suffering a shoulder injury against MTSU.
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Phillips is the first big man off the bench for top-ranked Tennessee and has been one of its most improved players this season. He’s averaging 6.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and a block in 17.1 minutes per game so far this season.
If the backup forward is unable to go, Tennessee will be severely thin in the front court. Sophomore center JP Estrella is out for the year after having season-ending foot surgery in late November. Phillips missing the game would leave Felix Okpara and Igor Milicic as the only players available to play at the five-spot while Jahmai Mashack and Darlinstone Dubar would see extended time at the four-spot.
No. 8 Florida is 2.5-point favorites against No. 1 Tennessee according to the FanDuel Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 149.5. KenPom predicts Tennessee to earn a 74-73 win.
Tipoff between Tennessee and Florida is at 7 p.m. ET at the Stephen O’Connell Center in Gainesville. Karl Ravech and Jimmy Dykes are on the call for ESPN2.
