Big help is on the way soon for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Center Zach Edey was upgraded to doubtful on the latest injury report ahead of the Nov. 12 game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden (6:30 p.m. CT, FanDuel Sports Network).
Edey underwent an ankle procedure in June after having three ankle sprains in his first NBA season. The Grizzlies announced on Sept. 26 that Edey would be given a six- to nine-week timeline to return. He has been doing more work with the Grizzlies and practicing with the G League Memphis Hustle in his ramp-up for a return.
Edey is traveling with the Grizzlies on the current road trip. A doubtful designation means there’s a better chance that he could be available on Nov. 15 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“I’m excited at the progress he’s making,” Grizzlies guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope said on Nov. 5. “I’ve seen him on the court working out. I’m excited for him to be back. That’s another big and a big body that we need that can help us (defensive) rebound and offensive rebound.”
The Grizzlies took Edey ninth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. He started 55 games and participated in 66 overall. He averaged 9.2 points and 8.3 rebounds in 21.5 minutes per game.
Among the positives of Edey’s potential return is how well he played under Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo at the end of last season. Iisalo took over in an interim role after Taylor Jenkins was fired. Edey’s playing time immediately increased, and so did his numbers.
Edey averaged 9.3 points and 13.4 rebounds in the final eight regular-season games.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
