Kentucky point guard Quade Green will not play against Texas A&M due a back strain.
Green, who is averaging 10.7 points and 24.7 minutes per game, was ruled out just minutes ahead of Tuesday night’s contest in Lexington.
Things just got a little tougher for tonight. @Q_Green1 is out vs. Texas A&M with a back strain. He’s day-to-day.
Next man up.
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) January 9, 2018
The injury will likely force Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to see even more minutes, as he is currently second on the team in playing 29.7 minutes per game.
Texas A&M enters the matchup as the SEC’s only winless team in conference play, but will be boosted by the return of Robert Williams and Admon Gilder to the lineup.
Lovell’s Analysis
This late development makes this matchup more intriguing than it already was.
The Aggies are in desperation mode after an 0-3 start, and while Williams and Gilder are set to be back on the court, starting point guard Duane Wilson is still sidelined for another week.
So, the absence of Wilson may not sting as much now due to Green also being out.
Still, Gilgeous-Alexander has certainly shown that he has what it takes to offer a lot of production. However, he’s coming off an underwhelming performance at Tennessee where he scored only three points and had five turnovers in 38 minutes.
The versatile freshman will now get a chance to redeem himself since he may have to go the distance with Green now on the bench.