Report: Missouri forward Kobe Brown a 'game-time decision' tonight vs. Ole Miss

Missouri star Kobe Brown is trending in the right direction. The senior forward surprisingly missed the Tigers’ loss to Alabama with an ankle injury but now appears to be healing. According to college hoops insider Jon Rothstein, Brown could play tonight and is considered a game-time decision.

Here was that report:

“Missouri’s Kobe Brown (ankle) will be a game-time decision for tonight’s game against Ole Miss, per a school spokesman. DNP in last game. Averages 15.7 PPG and 5.6 RPG.”

Additionally, here were Missouri head coach Dennis Gates’ comments regarding the injury before the game:

“Our student-athlete’s health is our top priority. 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’s injury doesn’t appear to be too serious and if he’s not back tonight against the Rebels, a return by this weekend for Mizzou’s home game against a top-15 Iowa State team is likely on the table. Plus, Gates shouldn’t need Brown for the Ole Miss game as much as he will the game against the Cyclones this coming Saturday. Kermit Davis is fightin’ for his life down in Oxford, but injuries and a lack of size have torpedoed their season to date, with the Rebels starting just 1-6 in league play.

By no means will Ole Miss roll over here. The game is at home and the Tigers won’t be able to exploit the Rebels’ lack of size, whether Kobe Brown plays or not. Because Brown typically plays the center spot for Mizzou, which makes their lineups lethal on offense by being able to play five-out with capable shooters at every spot. However, beyond Brown, there are only two other rotation players his height or taller, and neither average more than 12 minutes a night.

Kobe Brown is a crucial front-court piece without much depth to replace him. Plus, he’d been on an absolute heater before missing the Alabama game, averaging north of 18 points a game in SEC play. Tigers will be in jeopardy without him in the Pavilion tonight.