Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Memphis Grizzlies have returned to form as one of the better teams in the Western Conference. And the defensive star has one reason to explain why the team has a ceiling of competing for an NBA championship.

Memphis Grizzlies stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are both in the mix for the NBA All-Star game in San Francisco next month.

Taylor Jenkins explained why Ja Morant's Grizzlies have been increasing Jaren Jackson Jr.'s workload amid an injury-riddled season.

Jaren Jackson Jr. arrived at a game last week wearing a custom Yuki Kawamura sweatshirt. Now Kawamura wants a Jackson hoodie so the teammates can match.

Jaren Jackson Jr. had 35 points, 13 rebounds and five assists to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 119-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) drives past Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Randall Benton)

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins gave an update on Morant's injury after they ruled him out of Friday's contest due to right foot soreness. "He's been nursing a foot sprain since the Houston home game," Jenkins said. "Last game against the Spurs, he got tangled up, had a little collision there with a Spurs player that really worsened it."

Zach Edey was limiting to 13 minutes for the Grizzlies (24-13) due to a rare off night, but several of his teammates picked up the slack. Jaylen Wells and John Konchar each joined Jackson with more than 10 rebounds.

BOTTOM LINE: Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Memphis Grizzlies visit Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. The Spurs have gone 2-5 against division opponents. San Antonio ranks seventh in the NBA with 28.5 assists per game led by Chris Paul averaging 8.3.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Jaren Jackson Jr. had 35 points, 13 rebounds and five assists to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 119-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night. Scotty Pippen Jr ...

Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Zach Edey were among several players discussing how the Grizzlies have to adapt against playoff contenders.

SportsLine's model just revealed its NBA picks and predictions for Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs on Friday night