Lamont Butler ruled OUT for SEC Tournament quarterfinals vs. Alabama

No surprise here: Lamont Butler will NOT play tonight.

According to the SEC’s Availability Report, Butler has been ruled out for tonight’s SEC Tournament quarterfinal matchup against Alabama. He appeared to reaggravate his left shoulder injury last night in Kentucky’s 85-84 second-round win over Oklahoma. The fifth-year point guard played eight minutes in the first half before leaving the game for good.

Head coach Mark Pope said on the TV broadcast at halftime that Butler underwent imaging, but did not provide many additional details in the postgame press conference.

This isn’t exactly shocking news considering the circumstances. With the NCAA Tournament beginning next week, it makes much more sense to rest Butler now in hopes of getting him back in time for the Big Dance. While Pope would certainly prefer to have Butler tonight against an Alabama team UK lost to twice in the regular season, the risk is not worth the reward at this stage in the season. Expect extra PG1 minutes for the likes of Otega Oweh, Koby Brea, Collin Chandler, and Travis Perry in Butler’s absence.

For Alabama, Latrell Wrightsell and Houston Mallette, who have not played in multiple months, have been ruled out. Derron Reid, who last played on Feb. 15 and was initially listed as questionable on Thursday’s report, has been tabbed a game time decision. Reid averages 7.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per outing across 18 games played this season.

Tipoff between the ‘Cats and Crimson Tide is set for approximately 9:30 p.m. EST on the SEC Network.