Alabama reveals Nimari Burnett will return from injury against Missouri

Alabama guard Nimari Burnett will return from a wrist injury Saturday against Missouri, the Crimson Tide tweeted before tip off. Burnett has missed the past nine games with the injury, so Saturday will mark his first SEC game of the season.

A transfer from Texas Tech, Burnett started in nine games this season prior to the injury. He has averaged 7.9 points and 2.3 rebounds across 18.8 minutes per game. Nimari Burnett suffered the injury in December, going on to have surgery on his wrist.

Alabama has gotten off to a 6-0 start in conference play and stands alone as the only unbeaten in the SEC. The return of Burnett will only make the Crimson Tide (16-2) stronger as they hope to continue to build their case as one of the country’s top teams.

Tip-off between the Tigers and Tide is set for 6 p.m. ET on Saturday in Columbia.

Missouri star Kobe Brown out against Alabama

A big-time SEC showdown is set to tip off at 5:00 p.m. CT but will not feature one of Missouri‘s best players. Tigers star Kobe Brown will miss Saturday’s game against the Alabama Crimson Tide due to an ankle injury. A huge blow as Missouri looks to pull off a big upset.

“Our student-athlete’s health is our top priority,” head coach Dennis Gates said in a statement. “For Kobe’s long-term future and success, I have elected to rest him tonight and not risk any further injury by allowing his ankle to properly heal.”

Brown is a native of Hunstville, Alabama, making games against the Crimson Tide a little personal. He has had success against his hometown school before and would have had an opportunity to put on another show. Instead, Brown will have to watch from the bench and cheer on his teammates.

Alabama will enter as a decent-sized favorite and this energy will not help Missouri’s case. Head coach Nate Oats currently has his team ranked No. 4 in the AP poll and will be trying to get a first career road win against the Tigers.

Brown has been a monster for Missouri this season, averaging over 15 points per game. He has added 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists as well, helping Gates get off to a better-than-expected start to his Mizzou tenure.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.