Chad Baker-Mazara injury update: Auburn star's latest status vs. Alabama revealed in new report

Auburn could be receiving a major boost ahead of their clash with Alabama on Saturday, Chad Baker-Mazara is expected to try and play, Bruce Pearl told Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68.

“Auburn’s Chad Baker-Mazara (upper body) is expected to try and play today at Alabama, but likely will come off the bench, Bruce Pearl told @TheFieldOf68,” Goodman posted on X, prior to the showdown between the Tigers and the Crimson Tide.

That’s fantastic news for Auburn ahead of the highly-anticipated game. Baker-Mazara played 28 minutes on Tuesday against Vanderbilt, but he was held to zero points and 0-6 on field goal attempts. He’s hoping he’s over his upper-body injury, and ready to get back to his usual self, as he averages 12.2 points per game at the moment for the program.

On the other side of the spectrum, Alabama received some solid injury news as well, with freshman Derrion Reid expected to be available for Saturday’s blockbuster matchup, Nate Oats told Goodman.

Reid has been dealing with a leg injury since Feb. 1, which has kept him out of action for the past two weeks. He’s averaging 7.2 points for the Crimson Tide this season. On Friday, Oats updated the status of Reid before the matchup between the No. 1 Tigers vs. No. 2 Crimson Tide.

“We’ll see how he looks tomorrow morning,” Oats said of Reid, according to BamaOnline’s Charlie Potter. “I’m sure he’ll be a game-time decision, but he looks a lot better than he has at any point in the last month or so.”

Reid has been a steady contributor for Alabama off the bench this season. Along with his 7.2 points per game average, he logs 3.4 rebounds to go along with 16.9 minutes per game. He’s also started three games this season. 

Moreover, Reid has topped double-digits in scoring six times this season. Getting him back means regaining a valuable presence down low against an Auburn team that thrives in the paint.

The Crimson Tide are the hottest team in the SEC. They’ve won seven straight, and their record is currently 21-3, and 10-1 within the conference. Their last loss came back on Jan. 14 to Ole Miss, so they’ll be hoping to keep the good times rolling against Auburn.

If they’re able to come away victorious, Alabama might become the popular choice to lift the trophy at the end of the season. However, Chad Baker-Mazara and the Auburn Tigers won’t go away gently, and they’ll be looking to prove their worth on Saturday when tip-off comes.