Alabama was down two starters on Saturday night in a 79-73 loss to Tennessee, with guards Aden Holloway and Amari Allen both unable to go. It was the latest injury blow for a team that has been ravaged by them all season long.
On Monday, Nate Oats spoke to the media ahead of the Crimson Tide's matchup against Missouri on Tuesday night in Tuscaloosa. He provided mixed injury news on Holloway and Allen.
“Holloway was able to practice today. Provided there’s no setbacks, I anticipate him playing tomorrow," Oats said. "Amari did not practice, so my guess would be he’s doubtful, but we’ll see what he feels like in the morning.”
Aden Holloway expected to play, Amari Allen doubtful against Missouri
It's not as good an update as Alabama fans may have hoped for, but getting even one of those two back will be a massive boost to the Crimson Tide's backcourt. Holloway and Allen are 2nd and 3rd on the team in scoring and assists behind Labaron Philon. It was that playmaking ability that was missed more than the scoring. Alabama managed only nine assists against Tennessee, seven of which were by Philon.
Holloway has been dealing with a wrist injury the entire season. He has missed four games as a result, but he has still managed to become one of the premier guards in the SEC. He's averaging 17.7 points per game as a junior, coming on 48/46/82 shooting splits. He's one of the best shooters in the country, and there aren't many opposing guards who can stay in front of him off the bounce.
His gravity is a big deal for this offense, and even if he's not creating for others on the ball, his sheer presence opens things up for everyone else.
Allen has been a revelation for Alabama this season as a freshman and has begun to generate significant NBA Draft buzz. He's a do-it-all kind of player for the Crimson Tide, ranking 3rd on the team in points and assists, while being the team's leading rebounder and most versatile defender.
Allen has dealt with a couple of nagging injuries that have caused him to miss two games already this season.
Tuesday night's matchup against Missouri is pivotal for Alabama. With a road game against Florida looming on Sunday, the Tide cannot afford to drop a third consecutive home game.
On the bright side, playing on Tuesday and then Sunday should give Allen time to get healthy, which could mean Alabama will travel to Gainesville as healthy as they have been in quite some time.