Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr.’s return leaves time for playoff push

Jaren Jackson Jr.’s return to the Memphis Grizzlies will skyrocket their playoff chances

The impact that Jaren Jackson Jr.’s return is going to have on this Memphis Grizzlies team cannot be put into words. In his absence, the squad has had its best season since the rebuild began. That includes last year when they were knocked out of playoff contention in the play-in game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

This year, their sights will not be set on earning a guaranteed spot, which means shooting for a 6-seed in the Western Conference.

That said, this was already a goal marker for this team without JJJ in the lineup. It wasn’t that much of a stretch either, as the Grizzlies were playing their best basketball leading up to Jaren Jackson Jr. being listed as doubtful.

In the past ten games, the Grizzlies have gone 7-3, including an extremely flukey loss against the Dallas Mavericks that saw Memphis earn a win and choke it away in the last seconds.

Even if JJJ doesn’t return to the lineup for a few games, he’s ahead of schedule. This will give the Grizzlies at least a dozen games to push for a guaranteed playoff spot. With the Nuggets missing their star point guard in Jamal Murray and the Mavericks continuing to struggle, Memphis may be able to sneak into that spot.

Hopefully, this team can make a run to the playoffs, but even if they don’t, their chances will be strong in the play-in tournament with lesser opponents.