Memphis Grizzlies: 3 ways the Memphis Grizzlies can take Game 1 vs Timberwolves

No 3. Jaren Jackson Jr. has a big game for the Memphis Grizzlies

The unicorn big man, who is a leading candidate for NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year and a lock to make NBA First Team All-Defense, is going to be one of the biggest x-factors in the entire series vs Minnesota.

The former Michigan State product has taken a massive leap forward in his game from last season. Once being saddled with the albatross of being labeled “injury-prone” and “inconsistent,” Jackson has a chance to emblazon himself with a new label: unstoppable.

Jackson is going to be going up against Jarred Vanderbilt during this playoff series— a player in which he is leaps and bounds better than in every way.

Jackson is going to have a coming out party for the national tv audience that rarely gets to see Memphis on television.

Trip leads the NBA in blocks per game (2.3) and is one of the few players in the league who can knock down multiple three-pointers and multiple blocks in the same game.

Minnesota’s Towns is one of the few players with that distinction, but he’s likely to be matched up against Steven Adams.

If the Grizzlies and Jackson can exploit Minnesota at their weakest link, Jackson’s $100+ million contract is going to look like a bargain by the time this series ends.