Andrew Carr available vs. Arkansas, Lamont Butler remains out

Here’s some positive news ahead of tonight’s highly-anticipated matchup with John Calipari and Arkansas.

In the SEC’s final Availability Report, which was released two hours prior to tipoff, Kentucky starting power forward Andrew Carr had his name removed from the list. He will be available to play tonight against the Razorbacks. The 6-foot-11 big man is averaging 10.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this season for UK. Carr was limited in the Wildcats’ previous game earlier this week but will give it a go again this evening.

Meanwhile, starting point guard Lamont Butler (shoulder) remains out and will miss his second straight game.

Head coach Mark Pope has found success in previous games this season without a true point guard in the lineup. Kentucky took down both Gonzaga and Tennessee without Butler and Kerr Kriisa for most of those games. Will we see another big performance from Jaxson Robinson and/or Amari Williams as the fill-in point guard? UK will need someone to step up in Butler’s place. Don’t be surprised to see some extra Travis Perry minutes.

Carr being available is good news, but how much will he be able to provide? His back has been bothering him for several games now. He was unable to go against Vanderbilt on Jan. 25 and was pulled early against Tennessee a few days later. Whatever he can give the Wildcats against Arkansas will be huge. But even if he’s limited, Ansley Almonor has filled that role about as perfectly as possible as of late.

Kentucky-Arkansas is set for tonight at 9:00 p.m. EST on ESPN.