Jaren Jackson Jr. injured against former Grizzlies team, out six weeks

Utah Jazz center Jaren Jackson Jr. suffered a torn MCL in his right knee during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 26, according to an announcement made on October 27. The injury occurred early in the second quarter when Memphis guard Ty Jerome drove to the basket, was fouled, and fell into Jackson's right knee. Despite attempting to continue playing, Jackson had to be removed from the game.

This was Jackson's second meeting with the Grizzlies this season, with Memphis prevailing in both contests. Jackson, who was drafted by Memphis in 2018, spent nearly eight seasons with the team before being traded to the Jazz in February 2023. During his tenure in Memphis, he was a two-time All-Star and won the 2022-23 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

The Grizzlies have won both recent matchups, while Utah currently holds the worst record among the three teams involved in the trade, meaning Memphis would receive its most favorable first-round pick in 2027. With Jackson sidelined for six weeks, the Utah Jazz are facing depth issues in their frontcourt, as they are already without projected starting center Jusuf Nurkic due to a right foot injury.