These two teams did not want to be here — two 48-win squads facing elimination with two losses. Jaren Jackson Jr. has to be one of the unhappiest players here.
This season was arguably the best offensive performance of his young career. His 22 points per game on 49/38/78 shooting splits is excellent for the 25-year-old big man. The fact that so much of this came within the struggle that was this Grizzlies season is a testament to his skill.
A coach fired. A star point guard who can’t get out of his own way. A second option in Desmond Bane taking a step back. Trades made at the deadline were not to improve the team but to save money. It’s a dire time in Memphis, making Jackson’s upward trajectory bittersweet. Now it’s all on the line against the Warriors.
Whoever loses tonight plays the second play-in game. Win on Friday and run into the Oklahoma City buzzsaw. Lose on Friday, and it’s one, two, three, Cancun. Jackson will have to bring his A-game to give his Grizzlies a fighting chance in this one.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Memphis is a 6.5-point road underdog for this matchup. Let’s dig into the best JJJ props for this contest.
Best Jaren Jackson Jr. Prop Bets
Jaren Jackson Jr. Over 27.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts (-105)
Frankly, I’m not sure why this line is so low. Jackson has cleared the 27.5 PRA threshold in nine of his last 10 games against the Warriors.
Yes, they have Draymond Green. Yes, they have Jimmy Butler. They had those same two guys during the last matchup, and Jackson recorded 22 points and seven rebounds. Golden State’s desire to go small improves his chances of cleaning up the boards.
I’m not bullish on Memphis in this matchup, especially with how they can guard Ja Morant and Bane. The lack of a Stephen Curry defender sans Jaylen Wells is worrisome. That said, someone has to eat here, and my money is on Jackson.
