The Memphis Grizzlies are holding steady at the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference, but they face a challenging schedule in the final third of the season.

Things will only get harder without second-year forward Jaren Jackson Jr., who will miss at least two weeks due to a left knee sprain, per the team:

Jackson left Friday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers with knee soreness, and he did not return for the second half. Unfortunately, subsequent tests revealed a sprain.

This is a tough break for Memphis. Jackson was having a tremendous sophomore season for the Grizzlies, helping them emerge as a surprise playoff contender ahead of schedule.

The former Michigan State product is averaging 16.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks while shooting close to 40 percent from beyond the arc on 6.3 attempts per game.

Jackson's combination of size, range and athleticism make him the perfect complement to rookie point guard Ja Morant, who has excelled alongside frontcourt guys such as Jackson and Brandon Clarke.

More importantly, Jackson had remained mostly healthy this season, playing in 54 of the team's first 56 games after he was shut down last year due to a quad injury.

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Jackson previously suffered a knee injury this past November, but it merely appeared to be a blip on the radar. However, it seems the issue has resurfaced.

The Grizzlies will have to strap it on without Jackson in the rotation. Clarke is certainly capable at the four spot, though he is not quite the same kind of floor spacer as Jackson.

In any case, Memphis will hope Jackson can return for the stretch run. Memphis currently holds a three-and-a-half-game lead over the Portland Trail Blazers for the eighth playoff seed.