Report: Tennessee wing Josiah-Jordan James ruled out vs. Alabama with ankle injury

The matchup of the night in college basketball will take place in Knoxville, as Tennessee plays host to No. 1 Alabama. A crucial showdown in terms of the SEC regular season title race, both head coaches have some injury concerns to worry about. For Rick Barnes, the Wednesday afternoon news is not positive.

Josiah-Jordan James will not play against Alabama, dealing with an ankle injury assistant coach Rod Clark to Jimmy Hyams of 99.1 The Sports Animal. Julian Phillips has been questionable throughout the week with a hip flexor. He is considered a game-time decision.

“Tennessee wing Josiah-Jordan James is out for Alabama game tonight with ankle injury, per UT assistant Rod Clark,” Hyams said via Twitter. “Julian Phillips is game-time decision with hip flexor.”

James did not play on Saturday during the heartbreaking loss to Missouri. His injury occurred in the waning moments of another tough loss against Vanderbilt. Now, a third straight game, arguably the most important one remaining on the schedule, will be missed by James.

In 16 appearances for James this season, he is averaging 9.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He is Tennessee’s leading rebounder and an important figure on the defensive end. With all of the weapons Alabama has at its disposal, losing somebody such as James severely hurts Barnes.

As for Phillips, there is still hope he can suit up on Wednesday. He gave things a go against Missouri after injuring his hip during practice on Friday. The freshman was able to play for 10 minutes in the first half before having to sit out the rest of the game.

Phillips has played in all 25 games for the Vols as a freshman, averaging nine points per game. He too is considered an important defensive key for Tennessee. Even if Phillips can only play for a few minutes, his presence would be greatly welcomed.