Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey will be reevaluated in four weeks after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left ankle, the team announced Thursday.
The injury is a brutal blow for Memphis after the Grizzlies got a boost with Edey’s return. This is the same ankle in which Edey had an offseason procedure that delayed his start to the season.
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The 7-foot-4 center, and former Purdue basketball star, had two left ankle injuries last season that led to Memphis electing to get an offseason procedure done that would put the injury woes to rest. Now, Edey will be sidelined again.
“This is a management plan to optimize Zach’s long-term health in consultation with the Grizzlies and medical experts,” Edey’s agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports said in a statement provided to The Commercial Appeal. “Following this step, the short- and long-term prognosis for Zach is excellent.”
The Grizzlies (11-13) have won seven of their nine games in part because of Edey’s impact. In 11 games, Edey is averaging 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds since making his season debut on Nov. 15.
Memphis has seen its defense rise from the bottom third to the top 10 in defensive rating since Edey’s debut. And his return has allowed Memphis to lead the NBA in least paint points allowed over the last five games.
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The Grizzlies are close to getting star point guard Ja Morant back. The prospects of Edey finally playing with Morant this season were promising. Edey and Morant have only been on the floor together for half of a first quarter in Cleveland.
What is a stress reaction?
A stress reaction can essentially be a warning before a fracture or more serious injury. Overuse and inflammation are two things that can lead to a stress reaction.
Edey said on Dec. 4 that he’s feeling much better than last season, but he was still about “85% or 90%.”
“My ankle is still getting sore after I play, so got to be careful with that still, but I’m feeling pretty good,” Edey said.
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The Grizzlies had kept Edey on a minute restriction. He hovered around 25 minutes in his first five games back from Nov. 15-24. Edey played a season-high 34:39 in an overtime win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Nov. 26.
Edey only surpassed 30 minutes in two of his 11 appearances.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Zach Edey injury update: Memphis Grizzlies center has ankle stress reaction