Chad Baker-Mazara hand brace, explained: Latest injury updates on Auburn wing in Final Four

Auburn arrived in San Antonio with its full roster ready to go ahead of a Final Four matchup with Florida, but not everyone is fully healthy.

The Tigers saw star Johni Broome go down with what initially seemed like a significant elbow injury in the Elite Eight, only for Broome to return to the game. His status for Saturday's contest was never in doubt, but Bruce Pearl said before the game that Broome isn't quite at 100 percent. 

A new injury concern emerged ahead of the Final Four with starter Chad Baker-Mazara wearing a noticeable brace on his hand before the game at the Alamodome.

Here's what you need to know about Baker-Mazara's injury and whether he will be anywhere close to full strength on Saturday.

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Chad Baker-Mazara hand brace, explained

Baker-Mazara suffered a torn ligament in his thumb in Auburn's Elite Eight win over Michigan State, CBS Sports' Tracy Wolfson reported Saturday. He reportedly aggravated the injury during practice on Thursday.

Auburn will be dealing with some injuries tonight to key players. @TracyWolfson has the latest on Johni Broome and Chad Baker-Mazara, who is playing with a torn ligament in his thumb. pic.twitter.com/fDUOb6eN8M

Baker-Mazara's injury is a greater concern than Broome's, Wolfson reported. The veteran wing is playing on Saturday, but he will play with a black brace on his hand. 

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Auburn, which already lost to Florida at home during the regular season, can hardly afford to have both Broome and Baker-Mazara significantly hampered by injuries, even if they play a full game. Baker-Mazara is the oldest player on the Tigers' roster and supplies the energy Auburn feeds off, albeit sometimes to their detriment. 

Baker-Mazara is averaging 12.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game this season.

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