Jaren Jackson Jr. may return to the Memphis Grizzlies lineup after being sidelined with an ankle injury sustained on March 3 against the Atlanta Hawks. Jackson is listed as questionable for the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, as reported by WREG. The Grizzlies have gone 4-1 in his absence, bringing their record to 42-24 and placing them second in the Western Conference.
Despite missing five of their last six games, Santi Aldama remains out with a right calf injury. Meanwhile, Ja Morant and Desmond Bane have led Memphis' offense, with Morant averaging 30 points and 8.3 assists over the last four games. Jackson's return is highly anticipated, particularly by Morant, who said, "I can't wait," in an interview with CBS Sports.
Jackson's return comes as the Grizzlies face the Cavaliers, the league's top team, on Friday. The game is expected to be significant for Memphis' playoff outlook. The team also signed Lamar Stevens to a season-long contract following his two consecutive ten-day contracts, recognizing his contributions during Jackson's absence, as detailed by WREG.
According to Commercial Appeal, Jackson's return is expected to impact both defense and offense, but his performance after injury will be crucial for the team's progress. Jackson has averaged 22.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. With less than a month remaining in the regular season, Memphis holds a one-game lead over the fifth-place Houston Rockets in their conference as they aim to secure their position for the postseason.
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