Tre Mitchell will miss third straight game with shoulder injury

Make that three straight games missed for Kentucky forward Tre Mitchell, who is dealing with a shoulder injury while also recovering from a back issue.

The fifth-year senior did not play in the Wildcats’ 70-59 road win at Auburn, then missed the 75-74 loss at LSU just a few days later. Mitchell returned to practice late in the week and was considered a game-time decision vs. Alabama, but John Calipari announced ahead of tipoff that he’s just not there yet.

“He’s still tender, so that’s how it appears,” Calipari said about Mitchell’s shoulder.

Kentucky is at full strength elsewhere with the rest of the roster officially available.

Mitchell, who suffered the shoulder injury during the second half of Kentucky’s 75-63 win vs. Ole Miss on Feb. 13, is averaging 12 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 33.1 minutes across 22 games played (all starts) this season. He missed the team’s win at Vanderbilt and the loss to Gonzaga on Feb. 6 and 10, respectively, with a hurt back.

Alabama will be down a piece as well, as senior guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. won’t suit up for the Tide today. The Cal State Fullerton transfer is averaging nine points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 45% from three-point range.

Tipoff between No. 17 Kentucky and No. 13 Alabama inside Rupp Arena is set for 4:00 p.m. EST on CBS.