The Grizzlies will be getting some reinforcements off the injured list soon as they continue their push to secure the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. The team announced today in a press release that forwards Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) and Justise Winslow (back) are both likely to return to action within the next week.
Jackson, who is dealing with a sprained left knee, has been on the shelf since suffering that injury on February 21. Before going down, he was one of Memphis’ leading scorers, with 16.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 1.6 BPG in 54 contests (28.0 MPG).
As for Winslow, he has yet to actually appear in a game for the Grizzlies, having been acquired from the Heat in the three-team trade that sent Andre Iguodala and Jae Crowder to Miami at last month’s deadline. The centerpiece of that trade from Memphis’ perspective, Winslow has been limited to just 11 games on the season due to injuries. In 2018/19, he recorded 12.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 4.3 APG in 66 games (29.7 MPG) for the Heat.
The Grizzlies have been holding their own without Jackson and Winslow — their 32-32 record gives them a four-game lead on the Pelicans and Kings for the West’s final playoff spot. Still, Memphis isn’t in the clear yet. New Orleans, in particular, is a candidate to make a run at the No. 8 seed, since the Pels have the league’s easiest schedule for the rest of the season, per Tankathon. The Grizzlies have the second-hardest rest-of-season slate.
Although Jackson and Winslow are close to returning, the same can’t be said for Brandon Clarke, who remains sidelined with a right quad strain. The Grizzlies’ announcement today did offer some optimism on Clarke’s recovery though, indicating that he’s still expected to return before the end of the season.
Heat could use Winslow right now……should be interesting to see how he looks with them. Josh Jackson has played well in a similar role, and I dont expect them to play both together much. I could see a Ja, Josh Jackson, Brooks, Winslow, JJJ lineup being interesting though.
Winslow>Igluodala
Why on earth did they give 36-yo Iggy that extension?
Its essentially a 1 year extension…the pieces they got back arent the problem. The issue is the pieces they sent out were just better, at least for this roster, and also, the main weakness of this team got worse by sending out the only options at that spot, where they theoretically got better in an area that wasnt really necessary. Essentially now they have to be healthy, where that wasnt as big of an issue before. FTs are also bad again, which is a big worry. They’re actually a lot more like last years team now
Sure it’s essentially just for 1-year, as they’re unlikely to pick up his option, but $15M is ridiculously expensive for Iggy.
It’s also a pseudo-expiring deal, so its tradeable. James Johnson and Dion Waiters were getting comparable amounts. Also, other guys that were traded, even this year, have worse deals.
probably would be their most athletic option to put on the floor. it’d definitely be interesting to see the place they play at with that group.
Think they will improve once Justise Winslow takes the court?
Just wait until you see Carl Winslow out there !!
It would be awesome if they improve enough to knock out the Lakers in the first round next month. Anything is possible in the West.
Not really!!! Playoff time isn’t a surprise time, if you ain’t good in the RS you ain’t gonna magically be good in PO, that is why the RS does matter.
A lingering Clarke injury hurts my hope for a Grizzly one-rwo finish in the ROY.
Mitchell, SGA, Clarke… My highlight predictions on HR. Toppin now.
With JJJ & Winslow back though, Memphis should hold on to 8th, as long as Morant is leading.