Lamont Butler is OUT vs. Arkansas, Andrew Carr listed as probable

Kentucky will once again be without its starting point guard.

According to the SEC’s Availability Report, Lamont Butler (shoulder) has been ruled OUT for tomorrow night’s highly anticipated showdown between No. 12 Kentucky and Arkansas in what is John Calipari‘s return to Rupp Arena. Butler also missed the Wildcats’ win over No. 8 Tennessee earlier this week.

Kentucky starting power forward Andrew Carr, who saw just 89 seconds of action against the Volunteers due to a nagging back injury, is listed as probable. As expected, backup point guard Kerr Kriisa remains out.

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 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 listed as probable should be considered good news. 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 provide the Wildcats against Arkansas (if able to go) 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 Saturday night at 9:00 p.m. EST on ESPN. A final Availability Report will be released roughly 90 minutes prior to tipoff.