The Memphis Grizzlies just recently saw the return of Jaren Jackson Jr. The big man has played in two games thus far, giving Memphis a pair of extremely solid performances. His minutes haven’t reached their maximum potential yet, but he’ll get there.
His recovery took longer than expected. At the start of the season, his initial predicted date of return was around the All-Star break, but this would eventually be pushed back until a few games ago.
But just as quickly as he got comfortable on the court, the big man will have to sit out for another game.
Memphis Grizzlies F Jaren Jackson Jr. will sit out an extra game as part of his recovery
Unfortunately, Grizzlies fans will have to watch another game without Jaren Jackson Jr., as he will be sitting out another game as part of his recovery from meniscus surgery. This was announced on Grizzlies PR’s most recent injury report seen below.
.@memgrizz status report, April 25 at @trailblazers:
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) April 25, 2021
QUESTIONABLE
Jonas Valančiūnas – NBA Concussion Protocol
OUT
Jaren Jackson Jr. – Return from Injury Management - LT Knee
As you can see, Jackson Jr. is listed as out with “return from injury management.” To clarify, this has nothing to do with a reaggravation of his knee — it’s simply a safety precaution.
The Grizzlies training staff has already proven that they’re willing to be extra careful with injury recoveries, as we saw a very similar approach to Justise Winslow’s return from injury earlier this season.
Another negative for Memphis is that Jonas Valanciunas will miss another game with a concussion. It’s unclear when specifically he sustained this concussion, but this will be the fourth game that it has kept him out of.
Rookie center Xavier Tillman Sr. has been playing some of the best basketball of his career lately, so Grizzlies fans will hope for another great game from him. There isn’t a better second-round rookie in the league for a team to depend on.
Regardless, JV has been the Grizzlies’ best player for a good chunk of this season, while JJJ has been a key performer in each of his two games back. Memphis will definitely feel the loss of their two top big men.
Hopefully, Taylor Jenkins can continue to do the impossible and get another win in Portland against the Trail Blazers.