NBA Week 12 Power Rankings: Questions for each team after the break

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 05: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz at Barclays Center on January 05, 2021 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Jazz 130-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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Previous: 16th. Memphis Grizzlies. 16. team. 211. . 17-17

Last Week: Beat Washington Wizards 127-112, Lost to Denver Nuggets 103-102

This Week: 3/14 at Oklahoma City Thunder, 3/16 at Phoenix Suns, 3/17 vs. Miami Heat, 3/19 vs. Golden State Warriors, 3/20 vs. Golden State Warriors

Question: When will Jaren Jackson, Jr. finally return to the lineup?

Coming into the season for the Memphis Grizzlies, there were reasons for optimism after the general positivity of Ja Morant’s rookie season. The only thing hanging over them was the projected continued absence of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Justice Winslow.

Winslow made his long-awaited Memphis Grizzlies debut on Feb. 20 and has been okay so far. Jackson is still unfortunately out of the lineup and the timeline for his return has gotten confusing. Initially, it was reported that he would be back after the All-Star break but now that has been pushed back with an update not coming for another few weeks.

The return of Jackson is essential for any sort of prolonged success this season. Last year he averaged 17.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 steals in just 28.5 minutes per game. Adjusting that for per-36 minutes (closer to his projected amount this season as a third-year starter), the young star would be posting a line of 22.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.7 assists. He also canned 39.4 percent of his 6.5 3-point attempts per game.

When Jaren Jackson Jr. returns to the court, the Memphis Grizzlies will be an immediate threat considering how competitive they are without him. Hopefully, that return is sooner rather than later.