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Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. is facing a week-to-week absence after suffering a Grade 2 left ankle sprain early in Monday’s 132-130 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Jackson went down just 1:39 into the game, and the two-time All-Star’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Memphis.
The Grizzlies (40-21) have lost three straight and six of their last eight, sliding from second to fourth in the Western Conference standings — now trailing both the Lakers and Nuggets by one game. With a crucial matchup against West-leading Oklahoma City on Wednesday, Memphis will have to fight through more adversity without their defensive anchor and second-leading scorer.
Jackson’s injury also throws his Defensive Player of the Year candidacy into question. He’s played 59 of Memphis’ 61 games, and with the NBA’s 65-game minimum requirement for end-of-season awards, he can only afford to miss four more contests. The Grizzlies have 21 games left, making his DPOY eligibility a tight race against time.
As the Grizzlies battle for playoff positioning, the timeline for Jackson’s return becomes even more critical. Memphis will continue to monitor his status and provide updates as necessary, but with the team struggling and their defensive centerpiece sidelined, the road ahead just got a lot tougher.