Johni Broome injury update: Will Auburn basketball forward play vs Tennessee?

Auburn basketball star forward Johni Broome is a game-time decision for the Tigers' top-10 SEC matchup against No. 7 Tennessee on Saturday.

The top-ranked Tigers (17-1, 5-0 in SEC) are slated to tip off against the Vols at 8:30 p.m. ET inside Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama.

Broome, who was listed as questionable on the SEC availability report on Friday, has been out the last two games with a sprained left ankle injury that he sustained in the second half of Auburn's road win at South Carolina on Jan. 11.

REQUIRED READING: Bracketology: SEC dominates college basketball forecast for the NCAA tournament field

Before his injury, Broome was a leading candidate for national player of the year and led the SEC in rebounds per game at 10.7. He also ranked second in points per game (17.9). The Tigers eventually beat the Gamecocks before knocking off ranked opponents in Mississippi State and Georgia without Broome. ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi has Auburn slotted as the No. 1 seed in the South Region in his latest NCAA Tournament projections.

Here's the latest on Broome's injury, including what his status might be for Saturday's SEC rivalry game:

Will Johni Broome play vs Tennessee? Auburn forward's status vs Vols

Broome is questionable to appear in Auburn's starting lineup for Saturday's game vs. Tennessee. Broome was designated as a "game-time decision" by Auburn coach Bruce Pearl, according to Field of 68's Jeff Goodman.

Goodman reported that Broome participated in Auburn's practice on Thursday.

REQURID READING: Men's college basketball weekend: Top-10 clash and Duke-Wake Forest highlight schedule

Johni Broome injury update

Broome sustained an apparent left ankle injury while going for a rebound in the second half of Auburn's 66-63 win at South Carolina on Jan. 11.

Broome was seen holding his left ankle, which he appeared to roll while falling to the ground at Colonial Life Arena. He had to be helped by the court and did not return to the game.

Here's a look at the play where Broome sustained his injury in the second half vs. South Carolina on Jan. 11:

Broome underwent an MRI on Sunday, Jan. 12, after Auburn returned to campus.

As noted by CBS Sports' college basketball insider Matt Norlander, Broome's MRI results revealed he has a lower ankle sprain and did not need surgery. He has been out "indefinitely" since then, missing each of the Tigers' last two games to Mississippi State and Georgia.

What is Johni Broome's injury?

Broome is dealing with a sprained left ankle.

Pearl spoke further about Broome's injury on Thursday during an appearance on SiriusXM's "Basketball & Beyond with Coach K" podcast with former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski and Chris Spatola.

"He sprained his ankle and fortunately, it was his left ankle. So, as a left-handed player, he jumps off his right leg all the time," Pearl said. "But it was the first time he ever sprained it. Coach, you know what it's like when it is the first time you sprain it, it takes a little longer to repair.

"We don't want to rush him back. At this point, he is questionable for Saturday (vs. Tennessee), but he absolutely will be back in the next week or two, I'd imagine."

Johni Broome stats

Here's full breakout at Broome's stats this season at Auburn:

• 2024-25: 17.9 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game, 2.7 blocks per game and 54.6% field goal shooting (28.6% 3-point shooting)

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Johni Broome injury update: Will Auburn forward play vs Tennessee?