As the Memphis Grizzlies fight for playoff positioning, they'll have to do it without their All-Star.
Forward Jaren Jackson Jr. was ruled out on a week-to-week basis after suffering a Grade 2 sprain of his left ankle, the team announced on Tuesday.
Jackson Jr., 25, sustained the injury Monday night against the Atlanta Hawks after landing awkwardly on a block attempt.
The 2018 fourth-overall pick from Michigan State is averaging 22.7 points and 5.8 rebounds across 59 contests on the season. He was the lone Grizzly named to the All-Star team, marking his second career selection.
Jackson Jr., who won Defensive Player of the Year two seasons ago, is among the candidates for the award again this year but must play in at least 65 games to be eligible.
The timing of this injury couldn't be worse for Memphis (38-23). The Grizzlies have lost three straight and six of eight to drop from second in the Western Conference standings to fourth, a game back of both the Lakers and Denver in the standings.
They return to the court Wednesday to wrap a five-game homestand against the conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder.
--with files from The Associated Press
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