The Memphis Grizzlies finally started to resemble a functioning roster again. Then, nine days after Zach Edey returned from ankle surgery, their progress hit another wall.
The rookie center exited Monday nightâs 125 to 115 loss to the Denver Nuggets with a head injury just six minutes into the first quarter. He opened the game with two quick points and a rebound and looked comfortable before heading straight to the locker room. Memphis announced shortly after that he was doubtful to return. The moment deepened an already familiar theme for this group. Every time momentum appears adversity follows.
A Tough Break for a Team Already Thin Up Front
Edey missed the first 13 games of the season while recovering from offseason left ankle surgery. Memphis opened 4-9 without him and immediately stabilized when he returned to the rotation. If you remove Mondayâs six minute appearance he had averaged 12.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and two blocks through his first four games. That early production matched the interior presence Memphis has lacked for more than a year.
His return also lined up with the teamâs first consecutive wins of the season. That small spark quickly faded when he appeared to take an inadvertent shot to the head from Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic while battling inside. He stayed on the floor briefly before shutting it down.
Memphis entered the matchup already short handed at center. Brandon Clarke was still recovering from knee surgery that he underwent in late September. The expectation is that he returns in late December or early January. Without Edey available the Grizzlies will need heavier minutes from Jaren Jackson Jr. and increased production from Jock Landale. Smaller lineups will also see more minutes but those groups often struggle with rebounding and physical matchups.
Coach Tuomas Iisalo made it clear how significant Edeyâs absence was.
âYou guys understand when he came back how much better our team got defensively on the rebounding end even the offensive end,â Iisalo said. âHis roles are gravitating guys inside so we are getting easier shots on the outside. It was a huge loss.â
Edey Present at Practice but Still Questionable
There was at least one encouraging sign. Edey was present at practice on Tuesday shooting hook shots and free throws during the media viewing period. Memphis listed him as questionable for Wednesdayâs game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a migraine. This is not the first time Edey has dealt with migraine issues. He missed two games last season when similar symptoms appeared.
Iisalo said the team is continuing to evaluate him ahead of tipoff.
âJust basic movements,â he said. âNo defense no nothing. Just able to move around a little bit.â
As of the leagueâs latest injury report there was no official update on his status. Given his recent medical history and the sensitivity around head injuries Memphis is expected to be cautious.
Why It Matters for Memphisâ Season
The Grizzlies are 6-11 and beginning a difficult road stretch that includes the Pelicans Clippers Kings and Spurs. With Ja Morant still unavailable and Clarke weeks away from returning the room for error is thin. Edeyâs impact inside does more than fill minutes. It gives Memphis stability in areas where the roster has struggled the most.
His rim protection rebounding and finishing efficiency immediately helped the Grizzlies regain structure on both ends of the floor. Even in short bursts his physical presence lifted the group in ways that were visible from the moment he returned.
For a young big man still learning the league missing more time slows his development. For a team fighting to climb back into the playoff conversation his absence could be even more damaging.
Memphis hopes this setback is brief. The opening month of the season has shown how quickly the group improves when Edey is available. It has also shown how hard it is for the Grizzlies to sustain momentum when he is not.
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