Oklahoma State center Moussa Cisse 'doubtful' vs. Baylor

Oklahoma State will likely be a little thin in the front-court once again for today’s road game against Baylor. Cowboys big man Moussa Cisse has missed the last couple games with an ankle injury and is reportedly doubtful to play against the Bears, according to College Basketball insider Jon Rothstein. Here was that report, which Rothstein tweeted on Saturday morning:

“Oklahoma State’s Moussa Cisse (ankle) ‘is getting better, but is doubtful’ to play today against Baylor, per Mike Boynton. Has missed the last few games. Averages 8.1 PPG and 9.9 RPG.”

So Cisse is on the mend but it doesn’t sound like he’ll be healthy enough to give it a go against Baylor. It’s a big blow to the Cowboys’ front-court, which is already pretty light to begin with. In lieu of Cisse, 6-foot-7 junior Tyreek Smith will likely get his third start of the season down low, where he’ll be tasked with handling the veteran Baylor forward duo of Jalen Bridges and Flo Thamba.

While that pair is experienced and tough inside, Scott Drew’s club is more perimeter-oriented. So Oklahoma State won’t miss Cisse quite as much as they would against a team with a traditional dominant big man. However, his rim protection is a game-changer and helps keeps guards out of the lane. Without him, expect Drew to get his trio of guards going downhill and towards the basket, where they’ll be finishing over guys a couple inches shorter — and with much less wingspan — than Cisse.

Bears vs. Cowboys coming up later!