Fansided

5 lingering injuries that could impact the NBA playoffs

By Ian Levy

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers waits for a free throw during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 06, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers waits for a free throw during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 06, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 20: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 20, 2020 in Sacramento, California. 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 Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 20: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 20, 2020 in Sacramento, California. 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 Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

3. Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies

The Grizzlies’ promising young core has been one of the biggest surprises this season, coalescing way ahead of schedule into an unexpected playoff contender. However, a five-game slide coming out of the All-Star Break has them hanging on to the final spot by the skin of their teeth. The absence of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke, both of whom are averaging double-digits and contributing stout defense, has increased the degree of difficulty.

Jackson Jr. hasn’t played since Feb. 21, nursing a left knee sprain. Clarke left with a quad injury just a few minutes into the Grizzlies’ next game. Both are expected to be out for at least another two weeks or so. Memphis has won three straight but three of their next five are against playoff teams and a fourth is against Portland, the team they’re trying to hold off for the final playoff spot. This stretch could make-or-break the Grizzlies’ playoff run but they’ll have to pull it off without two of their best players.

Home/NBA Playoffs