Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. sidelined weeks with ankle sprain

The Memphis Grizzlies are facing significant challenges as they battle to maintain their position in the Western Conference playoffs, now sitting at 38-23. The team has lost three consecutive games and will be without star player Jaren Jackson Jr. for at least a week due to a Grade 2 left ankle sprain, which he sustained during a recent game against the Atlanta Hawks. Jackson, who has been crucial to the Grizzlies' success this season with a career-high average of 22.7 points, is also a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. With Ja Morant also struggling with a shoulder injury, Memphis will need to rely on players like Santi Aldama and Desmond Bane to fill the scoring void. The team's upcoming schedule includes tough matchups against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks, which will test their depth and resilience. Coach Taylor Jenkins is expected to implement strategic changes to keep the team competitive during this difficult stretch.