What is Zach Edey's Timeline to Return to Grizzlies amid Ankle Injury?

Memphis Grizzlies big man Zach Edey is set to miss about a month of action.

Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the center will be re-evaluated in four weeks after suffering a stress reaction in his left ankle.

"This is a management plan to optimize Zach's long-term health in consultation with the Grizzlies and medical experts," Edey's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told Charania.

According to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Edey said recently that he's been dealing with ankle soreness after games, "but it didn't sound like a major thing." Cole also noted that it's unclear if Edey's complaints of soreness are related to his recent injury.

Edey, the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, has enjoyed a solid start to his second campaign, putting up 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. Unfortunately for the 23-year-old, he'll have to press pause for a while as he looks to get healthy for the second half of the season.

Not only had Edey been hitting his stride as of late, but the Grizzlies have also played some of their best basketball of the season over the past few weeks. After starting the year 4-11, Memphis has won seven of its last nine games to move into ninth place in the Western Conference.

Whether the Grizzlies will be able to maintain their hot play without Edey on the court remains to be seen.

With Edey set to miss a month of play, the Grizzlies will presumably turn to backup center Jock Landale to take on a starting role. Landale has put up 10.9 points and 5.4 boards per game this season.

Memphis could also use a smaller lineup and shift Jaren Jackson Jr. into the center spot with Santi Aldama taking over as the starting power forward.