The Kentucky Wildcats take on their in-state rival, the Louisville Cardinals, at home in Rupp Arena. The Wildcats have been without their two point guards the last two games and are looking to get starter Lamont Butler back for the game tonight at 5:15 pm. Kentucky was able to beat Gonzaga when Kriisa went down and did not have Butler the entire game. The game against Colgate earlier this week made it obvious that they needed a point guard. Butler's absence has been missed.
Butler suffered an ankle injury in the game against Clemson, and while he battled through it to finish the game, he hasn't been back since. Each game has been a new game-time decision as head coach Mark Pope wants to ensure he is fully healthy before being established back in the lineup.
Is Lamont Butler playing tonight against the Louisville Cardinals?
This post will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available, and it is still officially a game-time decision that will be made in the warm-ups. However, signs are pointing to him playing, and rumors swirl that he is good to go.
Newest update before the game, still no confirmation but if he is warming up and suited up, that's good news:
First man out for warm-ups for Kentucky .. Lamont Butler.
— Aaron Gershon (@agershon99) December 14, 2024
Looks like Lamont Butler will be... https://t.co/uaNjllYEeY pic.twitter.com/AenwRoVZaC
— Wildcat Blue Nation (@WildcatBlueNatn) December 14, 2024
The first sign is that he was seen practicing yesterday on the official Kentucky basketball Instagram account. Kentucky fans were quick to find him shooting and rebounding in the videos posted.
I spy a #1 jersey https://t.co/U50fqOs6Ms
— WT - Lamont Enthusiast (@WildcatsTongue) December 14, 2024
However, there are some Kentucky reporters who are feeling negative about him being able to go while they await the news.
From all of the comments from Mark Pope, I don't expect Lamont Butler to play against Louisville today.
— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) December 14, 2024
I hope I'm wrong, but it doesn't seem like Butler is 100% from his ankle injury.
I wish Butler the best and we will definitely need PG 1 come SEC time. #BBN pic.twitter.com/FDlZeCU95c
Louisville is also suffering their own injury issues; they are down three important pieces to their rotation. Two starters and one depth points player. Kasean Pryor had to have season-ending surgery and won't be able to play all year. Aboubacar "Kader" Traore broke his arm in practice and will be out until January. Finally, backup point guard Koren Johnson will also be out for the entire season.
While each team is struggling with injuries the rivalry will still be alive and well.