This weekend, the Auburn basketball team will return to action in one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. No. 6 Tennesee, who was ranked No. 1 in front of the Tigers for six weeks, will make its way to the Plains to take on the No. 1 Auburn Tigers.
ESPN College GameDay will also be on campus for the showdown, which has been designated as this year's AUTLIVE game. In addition, the Auburn football team will be hosting a big recruiting Junior Day event this weekend and the recruits are expected to attend the basketball game.
It's shaping up to be a big day on the Plains, but there is a big question on everyone's minds: will Johni Broome return to action this weekend?
The Tigers' big man suffered a sprained ankle several games ago against South Carolina, and has missed two ranked matchups— against No. 15 Mississippi State at home and No. 23 Georgia on the road. Auburn basketball triumphed in both games, but having its best player back for such a big game would be a massive deal.
Earlier this week, head coach Bruce Pearl spoke to the media about Broome's injury and whether or not he would be able to compete against the Volunteers.
"I don't anticipate he would practice much, certainly at the beginning of the week," Pearl told AL.com, per Auburn Undercover. "We'll probably evaluate him later on this week. He's working really hard to get back and it's hard in this league without your best player."
Plenty of players have stepped up in Broome's absence, including fellow big men Dylan Cardwell and Chaney Johnson. True freshman Tahaad Pettiford led the way for the Tigers against Georgia with 24 points, and Ja'Heim Hudson's defense was instrumental in the win. While Auburn basketball has proven they can get the job done without Broome, his return would be a major boost for the Tigers.