Memphis Grizzlies: Did something go wrong in Jaren Jackson Jr.’s meniscus surgery?

The Memphis Grizzlies have shown they resilience, but are still vulnerable

This Grizzlies team has done something that nobody has expected in the absence of Jaren Jackson Jr.: They’ve stayed above .500. Granted, they’re currently only a single game above .500, but they’re in contention for a playoff spot without him.

Ja Morant has stepped up throughout the year, Jonas Valanciunas has been a rock, and Dillon Brooks has been playing his best basketball lately.

This team has been clicking. As of Thursday, March 25th, the Grizzlies are on a three-game winning streak without one of their key parts.

The issue stands though: this team can only do so much without JJJ in the lineup. They’ve shown that they can compete with top teams without him, but there are some clear holes in the lineup while he’s sitting on the bench with a recovering knee.

That’s where his extended recovery is going to impact this team. In a Western Conference playoff race that just got a lot more interesting with LeBron James’ injury, the Grizzlies will need to be in as good of a position as they can be.

As things stand, the Grizzlies look like they’re headed toward a play-in spot, but Jackson Jr.’s return could help them earn an outright playoff spot.