The Memphis Grizzlies suffered a blow to their playoff chances, as Jaren Jackson Jr. sustained a torn meniscus.
The forward was averaging 17.4 points per game in the season and helped move the Grizzlies into the eighth seed.
Jackson Jr. suffered the injury during his team’s 100-99 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Grizzlies who are playing to win the eighth seed in a crowded Western Conference, have struggled inside the bubble.
In order to get the eighth seed, the eight and nine seed will play two games and the ninth seed must win both games.
With the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs winning their games, there isn’t any margin for error.
The Grizzlies relied a lot on Jackson to help carry the scoring load with Ja Morant.
It will take a collective effort for the Grizzlies to maintain their spot in Jackson Jr.’s absence.
The team also lost young forward Justise Winslow in the bubble, so the team is thin on the scoring end.
Jackson and Winslow are both expected to make full recoveries and are vital pieces of the Grizzlies’ future.
The Grizzlies weren’t expected to compete this year, and making the playoffs would be a huge win for them.
If the team doesn’t make the playoffs, they will get a lottery pick to help build their young core.
One plus with Jackson and Winslow out, fans will get to see Morant carry the load.
The rookie guard is sure to provide highlight plays on a nightly basis.