Kentucky Wildcats fans have been anxiously awaiting an update on star guard Lamont Butler, and the latest news is a positive sign ahead of tonight’s matchup against the Troy Trojans. After dealing with a lingering shoulder injury, Butler’s status has been a major question mark leading into the Wildcats’ NCAA Tournament opener.
Will Lamont Butler Play Tonight Against Troy?
Yes, All signs point to Butler being available for Kentucky’s first-round game. Head coach Mark Pope provided an encouraging update earlier this week, confirming that Butler has been medically cleared to return to action.
While the Wildcats took a cautious approach in the SEC Tournament, keeping him sidelined for their loss to Alabama, the plan was always to have him ready for the start of March Madness.
Pope called Butler’s clearance “the best possible news,” emphasizing that the senior guard has made significant strides in his recovery. Butler himself has been eager to get back on the court, and barring any last-minute setbacks, he’s expected to be in the lineup against Troy.
Kentucky struggled without Butler in the SEC Tournament, missing his playmaking, scoring, and leadership.
The 6’2” guard has been a key piece for the Wildcats all season, averaging 11.5 points and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 36.2% from beyond the arc. His ability to facilitate the offense and provide stability in high-pressure moments makes him invaluable as Kentucky looks to make a deep tournament run.
With Butler back, the Wildcats regain a critical piece of their backcourt rotation. His presence should help create scoring opportunities for teammates and improve Kentucky’s perimeter defense, two areas that were noticeably lacking in their previous outing.
While Butler is expected to play, his workload could be monitored closely. After missing multiple stretches this season due to injury, Pope may look to ease him back into full-game action. The Wildcats will likely rely on freshman Travis Perry to share some of the backcourt duties if needed.
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Still, even at less than 100%, Butler’s return is a major boost for Kentucky. Against a Troy team that thrives on forcing turnovers and playing at a fast pace, having an experienced ball-handler like Butler on the floor could be the difference between a comfortable win and a potential upset scare.
Unless there’s an unexpected setback, Lamont Butler is set to take the court for Kentucky tonight against Troy. The Wildcats will need his veteran leadership and steady play to navigate the pressures of March Madness.
Kentucky tips off against Troy at 7:10 PM EST, with Butler’s return giving the Wildcats the extra firepower they need to start their NCAA Tournament journey on the right foot.
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