Grizzlies F Jaren Jackson Jr. (hamstring) hurt in first practice

Field Level Media|published: Tue 1st October, 18:27 2024

Apr 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) reacts in the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Memphis Grizzlies standout Jaren Jackson Jr. injured his hamstring on Tuesday during the team's first practice of the season.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said Jackson will undergo imaging after feeling tightness in the hamstring while driving to the basket.

"We're anticipating that it might be a strain," Jenkins told reporters.

It's possible Jackson could miss the preseason. In fact, a strain could place his availability in question when the Grizzlies open the regular season against the host Utah Jazz on Oct. 23.

Jenkins didn't want to think about that possibility.

"We're not sure about the timeline," Jackson said.

Jackson, 25, averaged a career-high 22.5 points per game last season while playing in 66 games. He averaged 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots.

One season earlier, Jackson was an All-Star and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year when he led the league with an average of 3.0 blocked shots per game. He also led in blocks at 2.3 per game in the 2021-22 season.

Overall, Jackson has averages of 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 333 games (324 starts).

The Grizzlies went 27-55 last season after making the playoffs in each of the previous three seasons.

--Field Level Media

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