After reportedly set to return following a nine-game absence, Memphis Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey suffered an injury setback. How much longer will he be out, and what does it mean for the Grizzlies?
Edey, who turned his left ankle against Denver on November 17, was sent down to the G-League to practice with Memphis Hustle on Wednesday in hopes of being able to return on Saturday in Boston. But coach Taylor Jenkins told Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal that the Grizzlies decision makers didn’t like what they saw.
“As he was going through testing it out, we weren’t comfortable where he was at. We’re going to gradually progress him over the next couple of weeks.”
When Will Memphis’ Mammoth Rookie Return After Injury Setback and How It Affects The Grizzlies, Plus, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart’s Status For Upcoming Road Trip
Based on Jenkins’s assessment, Edey will be out until around Christmas. That means the 7-4 center will miss at least the next four games, with the likelihood of that number growing to seven, which is a strong possibility.
Despite several injuries, including some to key players, Memphis is once again one of the top teams in the league. The Griz, tied for the fifth-best record in the league at 15-8, have won seven of their past eight and eight of their past ten.
Memphis Playing Well
Memphis is one of five teams with a top-10 offense and defense. A promising sign during this stretch is that the Grizzlies improved defensively while maintaining the same offensive efficiency. The Grizzlies also got a little bit healthier during this stretch, with Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, and Desmond Bane returning during or right before the 10 games.
However, Memphis has also caught a break with the schedule. Seven of the Grizzlies’ 10 most recent games have been against teams with a sub .500 record. The Griz are 11-3 with a +11.6 scoring margin versus teams with a below .500 record.
In addition, eight of Memphis’ last 10 contests have been at the friendly confines of FedEx Forum. The Grizzlies are also 11-3 at home, winning nine of their past 10 there, along with a +10.4 scoring margin.
Grizzlies Strengths
Memphis ranks second in the NBA in scoring at 121.1 points a game. The Grizzlies are an outstanding shooting squad, ranking fourth in field goal percentage at 48.7%. They are also a fantastic offensive-rebounding squad, grabbing 33.4% of all offensive rebounds (4th) and converting them into 16 points (5th).
Memphis is at its best inside the 3-point line, connecting on 58.2% of all two-point shots and topping the league in paint points. The Griz are great at getting to the free-throw line and also love to get out on the break, where the Grizzlies average 17.7 points a game (5th).
Memphis injuries have made the Grizzlies a stronger team. As a result of several players getting unexpected minutes, the Grizzlies now go between 10 and 11 players deep. The Griz have the top-rated bench, as their reserves are second in the league in scoring at 48.3 points a game and second in point differential (+4.2).
Led by Morant, Bane, and Scotty Pippen Jr., the Grizzlies have one of the top backcourt and point guard units. But their greatest strength is their frontcourt, where Jaren Jackson Jr., having one of his most efficient seasons, leads the way.
Edey and Jay Huff, getting their first real playing time in four seasons, are having productive seasons. Meanwhile, Santi Aldama and Jake LaRavia continue to improve.
Memphis gets after it defensively. The Grizzlies defend all over the court and do a fantastic job forcing shooters. They also have several shot-blockers.
Weaknesses
While Memphis defends well overall, there is some cause for concern. Fouling and defensive rebounding are the most significant issues.
Memphis’s most problematic area is defensive rebounding. The Grizzlies are the eighth-worst defensive rebounding squad, collecting less than 70% of rebounds on that end. Overall, the Griz allow their opponents to grab 12 offensive rebounds, converting them into 15 second-chance points (sixth most).
The Grizzlies’ defensive rebounding issues are the root of the problem, which also causes them to foul more often. The Griz commit the fourth most fouls, at 21.4, with their frontcourt responsible for 13.4 fouls. This has led their opponents to attempt the second most free throws (24.3).
Memphis has also struggled with its transition defense and ranks in the middle of the pack in paint points allowed. Since Edey has been sidelined, the Grizzlies have struggled even more with defensive rebounds and protecting the paint.
Over the last nine games, Memphis’s blocks and fouls are down. But with Eady out, their opponents are finishing a little better at the rim (62.1%) and seeing a slight increase in attempts. They are permitting four more paint points (51.9) and almost a whole point more in second-chance points.
Memphis Shorthanded Against Boston
Memphis will be shorthanded on its two-game Eastern Conference road trip. The Grizzlies will continue to be without Edey, GG Jackson, and Vince Williams Jr. when they face Boston tomorrow night. Luke Kennard has also been ruled out against the C’s due to illness. It will be the second straight game that Kennard has missed, as he also sat out the Griz’s victory over Sacramento on Thursday.
Kennard has been an important part of the Grizzlies’ second unit since missing the first eight games of the campaign. Kennard has scored in double-figures five times and averages 6.7 points and 1.5 threes while shooting from deep at a 40.4% clip. With the 28-year-old forward ruled out, LaRavia and Aldama are in line to see an uptick in minutes.
According to Cole, the Grizzlies have lost their last six matchups against the Celtics and 16 of 17 overall dating back to 2016. The trip to Boston will be Smart’s second since the Celtics shipped him to Memphis as part of the three-team Kristaps Porzingis deal.
“You want him [Smart] to get that win and get that feeling of beating the team that traded him or whatever,” Pippen Jr. said. “At the end of the day, we want to have Marcus’s back and go up there and get the win.”
Will Marcus Smart Play?
Speaking of Smart, he may not be able to play against the Celtics, who are coming off a 111-105 victory over Milwaukee on Friday. He is listed as questionable due to a right ankle sprain that he is believed to pick up some time against the Kings.
According to Joe Linn of Sports Illustrated, a final decision about Smart’s status will probably be determined “before tip-off when Jenkins addresses the media.” If Smart cannot play, Pippen and LaRavia will likely see an uptick in PT.
Following Saturday night’s contest, Memphis will head to DC. The Grizzlies will face the Wizards on Sunday night. The Griz are 3-0 with a +14 scoring margin in the second game of back-to-backs.
