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Chad Baker-Mazara injury: Auburn updates injured guard’s status ahead of Michigan game
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Chad Baker-Mazara practiced on Thursday as Auburn prepares for a Sweet 16 matchup with Michigan on Friday.
The Tigers’ starting wing left the second-round win over Creighton with a hip injury. He returned later in the game, but looked to be in pain and checked back out minutes later. Head coach Bruce Pearl told reporters on Thursday prior to the team’s practice session that Baker-Mazara is expected to play in the NCAA Tournament regional semifinal.
According to Auburn Undercover, Baker-Mazara was a full participant in practice on Thursday.
Baker-Mazara has started 31 games for Auburn (30-5) this season. In 25.3 minutes per game, he averages 12.5 points to go with 3.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 45.8% from the floor and 38.7% from 3. He is the Tigers’ second-leading scorer. He also leads all Auburn players in steals (1.1).
Pearl also said, per Auburn Undercover, that forward Chris Moore should be “fine” for Friday’s game. Moore also practiced on Thursday.
The 6-foot-5 senior did not play in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. An ankle injury suffered in the first-round win over Alabama State forced him to miss his first game of the season. Moore averages 1.1 points and 1.6 rebounds in 10.5 minutes off the bench for Auburn this season.
Auburn is a 9.5-point favorite (via BetMGM) over Michigan on Friday. Tipoff is set for 9:39 p.m. ET on CBS.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.