Tom Izzo: No word yet on Nairn, no feel for U-M's LeVert

EAST LANSING -- Michigan State sophomore point guard Tum Tum Nairn was able to shoot Monday and isn't feeling much pain, but Tom Izzo said he won't practice today and remains a major uncertainty for No. 10 MSU's visit Saturday to Michigan.

Izzo said he has considered Nairn "doubtful at best" for Saturday's game (2 p.m., CBS), which would be his sixth straight out because of plantar fasciitis in his right foot. But the injury is unpredictable and Izzo said that if the foot "comes around, he could play."

Five games without Tum Tum and Nairn watch begins

On the other side of things, Izzo said he isn't worried about preparing for the possible return of injured U-M star Caris LeVert.

"It's the last thing I'm worrying about, because I can't control it," Izzo said of LeVert's status. "I have no idea."

This will be the only meeting of the season between the rivals, thanks to a 14-team Big Ten with no protected rivalries, and Izzo reiterated he doesn't like that.

And he said he's expecting his players to be amped as usual for this game.

"It better mean more to everybody, or Jud Heathcote will come swinging back from his crutches," Izzo joked of former MSU coach Heathcote.