NBA Refutes Viral Reddit Conspiracy Theory About Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr.'s Stats

Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. is under the spotlight after a Reddit user insinuated that his defensive statistics are being boosted during home games, but the NBA doesn't believe there's been any wrongdoing.

NBA senior vice president of communications Tim Frank released a statement refuting the notion that Jackson is benefitting from improper scorekeeping:

On the season, Jackson is averaging 16.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks across 33 appearances after he missed the start of the year while recovering from foot surgery. However, he's averaging a whopping 4.1 blocks in home games as opposed to 2.2 swats in road contests.

Seven out of the nine games in which he recorded five or more blocks came at home. His steals numbers are also vastly different: 0.7 on the road against 1.4 at home.

These discrepancies weren't apparent during the 2021-22 campaign for Jackson. Across 78 games, he averaged 2.4 blocks at home versus 2.1 blocks on the road and 1.1 steals at home versus 0.8 steals on the road.

The Reddit user provided multiple examples in which it appeared Jackson had been credited with a block or a steal when it should have been credited to another Grizzlies player.

Jackson is currently the betting favorite to win NBA Defensive Player of the Year at multiple sportsbooks. However, accusations of stat inflation could create questions surrounding the integrity of the award if he is named the winner at season's end.

The Grizzlies are in first place in the Southwest Division at 31-18 and will be looking to end a five-game losing streak when they host the Indiana Pacers (24-27) on Sunday.