### Grizzlies' Zach Edey Faces Extended Absence Due to Ankle Injury Zach Edey, the Memphis Grizzlies' standout center, has been sidelined for at least a month following a diagnosis of a stress reaction in his left ankle. This injury comes after a previous surgery on the same ankle last June, which had already caused him to miss the first 13 games of the current season. Edey had recently returned to the court, contributing significantly to the team's performance, but now faces another rehabilitation period. The Grizzlies are optimistic about his long-term health, with plans for a reevaluation in four weeks after a rest and rehabilitation phase [https://apnews.com/article/grizzlies-zach-edey-ankle-injury-53ba9e4e12e0f2846e73b8aae3a058f0][https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/memphis_grizzlies_rule_key_player_out_for_a_month_due_to_ankle_injury/s1_17410_43192669]. ### Injury Impact and Team Dynamics 1. **Injury Details**: Edey has been diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left ankle, which is a precautionary measure to prevent further complications [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/nba_notes_grizzlies_zach_edey_hawks_zaccharie_risacher_knicks/s1_17038_43192696]. 2. **Team Performance**: The Grizzlies had begun to find their rhythm, winning seven of their last eleven games since Edey's return, but his absence is a significant setback [https://www.si.com/nba/grizzlies-star-zach-edey-ankle-injury-miss-multiple-weeks]. 3. **Player Statistics**: Edey averaged 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 25.8 minutes over his last 11 games, showcasing his impact on both ends of the floor [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/memphis_grizzlies_center_zach_edey_to_be_out_at_least_4_weeks/s1_17396_43192521]. 4. **Future Outlook**: The Grizzlies plan to reevaluate Edey in four weeks, with his agent expressing confidence in a positive long-term prognosis [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/memphis_grizzlies_rule_key_player_out_for_a_month_due_to_ankle_injury/s1_17410_43192669]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Edey's Performance Metrics**: - **Points per Game**: 13.6 - **Rebounds per Game**: 11.1 - **Blocks per Game**: 1.9 - **Minutes Played**: 25.8 - **Team Performance**: - **Record Since Edey's Return**: 7 wins, 2 losses - **Defensive Rating During Edey's Minutes**: 94.5 - **Point Differential**: +18.3 points per 100 possessions when Edey is on the floor [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/nba_notes_grizzlies_zach_edey_hawks_zaccharie_risacher_knicks/s1_17038_43192696][https://www.si.com/nba/grizzlies-star-zach-edey-ankle-injury-miss-multiple-weeks]. ### Conclusion: Navigating Challenges Ahead **Zach Edey's injury presents a significant challenge for the Memphis Grizzlies as they navigate the season.** 1. **Immediate Impact**: Edey's absence will require adjustments in the lineup, with Jock Landale expected to step up in his place [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/memphis_grizzlies_center_zach_edey_to_be_out_at_least_4_weeks/s1_17396_43192521]. 2. **Long-Term Health Focus**: The team's management is prioritizing Edey's long-term health, indicating a cautious approach to his recovery [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/memphis_grizzlies_rule_key_player_out_for_a_month_due_to_ankle_injury/s1_17410_43192669]. 3. **Future Prospects**: With a reevaluation scheduled in four weeks, there is hope for a swift return, but the Grizzlies must continue to perform well in his absence to maintain their competitive edge [https://www.espn.ph/nba/story/_/id/47279534/grizzlies-edey-ankle-re-evaluated-4-weeks]. The Grizzlies will need to rally together to fill the void left by Edey as they aim to keep their momentum going during this challenging period.