Friday night saw the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz face off at FedExForum, marking a significant moment as Jaren Jackson Jr. returned to Memphis. After his recent trade to Utah, Jackson was back in the building and received a warm video tribute, though he didn't suit up for the game. He's been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a procedure to remove a benign growth in his knee.
Jackson's absence was just one on a lengthy list of key players missing from action. Notably, centers Walker Kessler and Zach Edey were out with long-standing injuries.
Meanwhile, point guards Keyonte George and Ja Morant were also unavailable, with their injuries sparking some debate over their severity. Additionally, there were a few other players missing for reasons that seemed more elective.
This game was a snapshot of the challenges teams face post-All-Star break, juggling player health and strategic rest. As the season progresses, both the Grizzlies and Jazz will need to navigate these hurdles to maintain their competitive edge.