Grizzlies face Timberwolves, but Jaren Jackson Jr.'s status hangs in the balance. His quad contusion could dictate Memphis's chances for a comeback win.
The Memphis Grizzlies will face the Minnesota Timberwolves for the second time in three days on Monday night at FedExForum, with the status of Jaren Jackson Jr. looming as the central storyline following another shorthanded loss.
Jackson is listed as questionable due to a left quad contusion, a development that could significantly shape Memphis’ chances of responding after Saturday’s 131–114 defeat. The Grizzlies were without multiple rotation players in that game and struggled to withstand Minnesota’s size, shot-making, and sustained pressure across four quarters.
Through 44 games this season, Jaren Jackson Jr. has averaged 19.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 30.7 minutes per game. He has also contributed defensively with 1.1 steals and 1.5 blocks per contest while shooting 47.5% from the field and posting a 57.1 true shooting percentage. Jackson’s production and versatility have made him Memphis’ most reliable two-way presence during a season defined by lineup instability.
Minnesota exposed that instability Saturday, controlling the game from start to finish. Anthony Edwards scored 33 points, while Julius Randle added 27 points and seven assists as the Timberwolves extended their winning streak to four games, all by double digits. Minnesota also received 20-point performances from Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels, while Rudy Gobert dominated the interior with 16 rebounds and two blocks.
Memphis remained within single digits at halftime, trailing 58–49, but the game swung sharply in the third quarter. Minnesota made 12 of its first 16 shots after the break, stretching the lead to 92–73 and then to 97–79 entering the fourth. The Timberwolves later pushed the margin to 22 points and closed comfortably.
Shooting issues plagued the Grizzlies throughout the night. Memphis missed 17 of its first 18 attempts from three-point range, limiting its ability to counter Minnesota’s offensive rhythm. Without Jackson anchoring the defense and spacing the floor offensively, the Grizzlies struggled to protect the paint and control the glass.
There were positives despite the loss. Ty Jerome, playing his first game of the season after recovering from a right calf strain, led Memphis with 20 points and six assists in 20 minutes. G.G. Jackson added 19 points, and Jaylen Wells scored 15, but the Grizzlies were unable to sustain momentum during Minnesota’s extended runs.
The defeat marked Memphis’ sixth straight loss, its longest skid since the 2023–24 season. The downturn has coincided with injuries and growing uncertainty ahead of the trade deadline, including reports that the organization is willing to listen on star guard Ja Morant.
Morant remains sidelined with a left elbow UCL sprain and is one of several rotation players ruled out for Monday’s game. Santi Aldama (right knee injury management), Brandon Clarke (right calf strain), Zach Edey (left ankle stress reaction), John Konchar (anterior triangle contusion), and Scotty Pippen Jr. (left great toe surgery recovery) are also unavailable.
Jackson’s potential return would offer Memphis a much-needed stabilizing force. In his most recent outing, he logged 34 minutes against New Orleans, finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists, six steals, and two blocks, underscoring his impact even when the offense is uneven.
Monday’s rematch provides the Grizzlies a chance to respond quickly, but whether they can alter the outcome may hinge on Jackson’s ability to suit up and provide structure on both ends of the floor.