Rick Barnes says Josiah-Jordan James is 'doing better'

As a senior veteran for Tennessee, Josiah-Jordan James came into this season as a very important returning piece for the Volunteers. However, with him having only played in five games this season due to a knee issue, the program is eager to get him back on the floor as soon as possible.

From what Rick Barnes said on Monday, though, that could happen earlier than we think. During his preview of Mississippi State with the media, he said James is making quality progress and is working himself back into what the Vols do each day.

“He’s doing better. He’s starting to work his way back in,” Barnes said. “We’ll see what that leads to but he’s working his way back in.”

James averaged 8.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game over his five appearances this season. Still, after missing four games which included their stretch in the Battle 4 Atlantis, he has been unavailable for Tennessee over another four-game stretch here as the Vols have now opened SEC play.

There’s still nothing set in stone about his availability tonight against the Bulldogs. With that said, Barnes will have to weigh that option depending on just how prepared he believes James is ahead of a second difficult conference game tonight in Knoxville.

Mississippi State vs. Tennessee: How to watch, odds, predictions from ESPN, KenPom

Mississippi State (11-3) and No. 8 Tennessee (11-2) square off Tuesday in Knoxville. Ahead of the game, which will be broadcast live on ESPN2, predictions and betting odds – including KenPom analytics – are rolling in.

How to watch Mississippi State and Tennessee

Tip-off: 7:00 p.m. ET

Location: Knoxville (Tenn.)

Channel: ESPN2

Vegas Odds

Tennessee is a 10.5 point favorite over Mississippi State Tuesday, according to the odds at VegasInsider. The total is set at 122.5

ESPN BPI prediction

Predicted winner: Tennessee

Predicted point differential: 13.4

Win probability for Tennessee: 90.3%

Matchup quality: 76.2

ESPN’s College Basketball Power Index (BPI) is a tool that measures team strength and uses that to predict outcomes of future performances.

KenPom prediction

Predicted final score: Tennessee wins 63-51

Win probability Tennessee: 85%

KenPom is another tool that provides advanced analysis across college basketball. Like the ESPN BPI, KenPom has Tennessee a double-digit winner.