Mark Sears, Derrion Reid injury updates: Alabama makes decision on stars vs. Kentucky

Alabama SF Derrion Reid has been ruled out Saturday’s game against Kentucky, according to the SEC injury report. Guard Mark Sears is also listed as probable.

Reid was listed as doubtful for Alabama’s last game against Missouri after re-aggravating a hamstring injury in the previous outing against Auburn. Head coach Nate Oats’ press conference was cut short due to a fire alarm at Mizzou Arena, and he didn’t give an update on Reid’s status after he missed the matchup.

Sears is a new addition to the injury report this week with an undisclosed issue. However, he’s listed as probable, which bodes well for his chances of playing in Saturday’s high-profile matchup.

Feb. 21 Availability Report

Derrion Reid (hamstring) is listed as out and Mark Sears is probable for tomorrow's Kentucky game. pic.twitter.com/hAis8m6ko0

— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) February 22, 2025

Alabama is looking to get back on track after back-to-back losses. The Crimson Tide fell to Auburn over the weekend despite a late comeback in what became ESPN’s most-watched game of the season. Then, a few days later, Alabama dropped a shootout against Missouri – marking its first time losing back-to-back games this season.

“We didn’t guard,” Oats said in his shortened press conference, via BOL’s Charlie Potter. “I mean, shoot, we gave up 110 points. I think we gave them a 1.39 today on our defensive end. That’s pretty elite offense. We gave them 21 points off turnovers. They’re top five in the country in steal percentage and gave them 12 steals. They scored off them.

“We didn’t do a great job prepping our guys for their pressure, and they do a good job. … We were still in full control of our own destiny with the league championship if we won out. We no longer are. And Missouri deserves a lot of credit for it. They’ve got a good team. They’ve been winning a lot of big games.”

The Crimson Tide will now get ready to take on a Kentucky team that’s also dealing with its share of injuries. Guard Lamont Butler and forward Jaxson Robinson are both out for the matchup as the Wildcats look to stay above .500 in SEC action.

Just a few games remain in the 2024-25 regular season, and the SEC Tournament picture will come into focus over the next few weeks. Alabama enters Saturday’s game tied for second with Florida in the conference standings, and seeding will continue to be in play the rest of the way. Kentucky, meanwhile, is tied for eighth place with Mississippi State.

Alabama and Kentucky will tip off Saturday at 6 p.m. ET at Coleman Coliseum. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.