Zach Edey to miss minimum four weeks with left ankle stress reaction
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The Memphis Grizzlies announced Thursday that center Zach Edey has been diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left ankle and will be re-evaluated in four weeks.
Agent Mark Bartelstein told ESPN’s Shams Charania that the plan, developed with team physicians and outside specialists, is designed to protect Edey’s long-term health. Bartelstein added that both the short- and long-term outlooks are “excellent.”
The setback comes after Edey missed the season’s first 13 games while completing rehab from offseason ankle surgery. Memphis opened 4-9 without him, then went 7-4 after his Nov. 24 return. In 11 appearances, the 7-4 rookie is averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 25.8 minutes. The Grizzlies have outscored opponents by 18.3 points per 100 possessions during his 284 minutes on the floor, posting a 94.5 defensive rating in that span.
Jock Landale is expected to rejoin the starting lineup while Edey is sidelined, with Jaren Jackson Jr. likely logging additional minutes at center.
Additional injury updates
The Grizzlies also reported that swingman John Konchar suffered a UCL tear in his left thumb and will undergo surgery. A recovery timetable will be provided after the procedure, though similar injuries typically require at least four weeks of rehabilitation.
Rookie guard Javon Small is progressing from turf toe in his left foot and is projected to return in three to five weeks.
Starting point guard Ja Morant, out since Nov. 15 with a right calf strain, participated fully in Thursday’s practice. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo said the team will determine Morant’s availability for Friday’s game against Utah after evaluating how his calf responds overnight.
Source: Hoops Rumors
