Is Zach Edey all right? This question would be on the minds of attendees at the FedEx Forum who continue viewing the Grizzlies–Nuggets game. After creating a respectable reputation and becoming one of the key names for the 2024 NBA draft, the 22-year-old looked to transform the Grizzlies’ abysmal status on the points chart, which has loomed over the last few years. In Anthony Davis’ own words, “He’s 7’4. Anytime you have a guy like that, it brings your awareness up, especially on the rebounding.” Well, in this case, the Denver Nuggets will certainly be glad to have him away from the court in the final quarter.

With 1:10 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter, the Grizzlies had an impressive 80-62 lead. As Christian Braun made a free throw, the other players quickly dashed to gain possession of the ball. In the heat of things, however, a Nuggets player accidentally pushed Edey. He fell and ended up rolling his ankle for the 2nd time in the game. His teammates helped the rookie up and he limped to the locker room. Now, reports indicate that Zach Edey won’t return for the game’s remaining duration.

The 22-year-old had tweaked his ankle during the first half too. Despite this, he continued, recording a total of 14 minutes before getting sidelined for good. He wasn’t as effective, as in previous games. After all, he could only record 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists in his limited time on the floor.

Fortunately, other players were able to carry on the offensive effort more efficiently. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Wells led the charge with their 20 points, and 15 points, respectively. As a result, the Memphis Grizzlies were able to secure a 105-90 win against the 2023 champions, as the latter continued suffering from the consequences of Nikola Jokic’s absence.

Zach Edey’s injury, however, puts his team in a precarious position. Ja Morant remains ‘out’, as doctors are set to reevaluate his hip injury tomorrow. Cam Spencer and GG Jackson II may also not return to the court anytime soon. With an 8-6 record, now is not the time for Grizzlies players to keep dropping like dead flies!

Edey did not expect his ankle injury to happen once again. After all, the player did deal with quite a few of them during his tenure in the Summer League. Given his 7-foot-4 stature, the Canadian is easily prone to getting his leg hurt from time to time. Fortunately, according to Matt Infield, the injuries from the Summer League indicate that his current ailment won’t be for the long term, hopefully.

How will the Memphis Grizzlies move forward without Zach Edey?

According to Sportsnet, Zach Edey’s absence means that Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jay Huff can see an increase in their minutes. The tertiary Center on the Grizzlies squad, Jay Huff, is performing way better than the previous season. He averaged 1.2 points in 20 games during the 2023-24 campaign. However, the same averages have now surged to 9.4 points within a 14-game period. On top of that, Huff has also accompanied that points tally with an average of 2.6 rebounds and 0.8 assists.

Jay Huff’s scoring isn’t on par with the 11.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 0.7 assists that Zach Edey averaged this season. However, the hoopster can still serve as a useful backup center to Brandon Clarke. Furthermore, Jaren Jackson Jr. may gain more minutes too. Therefore, they can continue to maintain the scoring front on the same level, amidst key players missing from the lineup.