Injuries have been a consistent issue for Alabama basketball this season, so it would figure heading into the first of two Iron Bowl of Basketball matchups against Auburn, the Crimson Tide would have a significant injury concern.
Star sophomore guard Labaron Philon got banged up during Alabama's 100-97 win over Texas A&M on Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa. Nate Oats called it a thigh bruise and told reporters on Friday that Philon did not practice earlier in the day.
That seemed to indicate that Philon would be, at best, questionable for the Auburn game. Alabama's availability report made that designation official. He was listed as questionable on Friday night:
February 6 Availability Report
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) February 7, 2026
Labaron Philon is questionable.
Taylor Bol Bowen is probable. pic.twitter.com/XzBGMlmtd7
Labaron Philon is reportedly a game-time decision against Auburn
Shortly after Oats' press conference on Friday, college basketball insider Jon Rothstein reported that Philon would be a game-time decision for Saturday afternoon's battle against Auburn on the Plains:
Nate Oats also tells me that Alabama’s LaBaron Philon (thigh) will be a game-time decision for Saturday’s game against Auburn.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 6, 2026
Averages 21.4 PPG. https://t.co/kAkgg1XNrI
Philon is the SEC's leading scorer this season and also ranks fourth in assists. He's had a phenomenal sophomore season, and if he's unable to play, it will deal a devastating blow to the Crimson Tide's ability to go on the road and pull out a rivalry win.
While Alabama did get positive news with Florida State transfer Taylor Bol Bowen being listed as probable after missing Wednesday's game against Texas A&M, it's obvious that Philon's ability to play or not will have a much bigger impact on the game.
Philon suffered the thigh bruise late in the first half against the Aggies, when he collided with former Alabama guard Rylan Griffen. He left the game at the time, but returned to start the second half and came up with numerous clutch buckets down the stretch to help the Crimson Tide pull out a pivotal victory.
But his inability to practice on Friday could make it difficult for him to play on Saturday. With it being a rivalry game, and with Alabama looking to avoid falling back to .500 in SEC play, you have to figure Philon is going to do whatever he can to get on the court.