Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey was present at practice on Nov. 25 after leaving a game against the Denver Nuggets a day earlier due to a head injury.
Edey took a hit to the head in the first quarter and did not return after playing six minutes. He is questionable to play on Nov. 26 against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a migraine.
This isn’t the first time Edey has dealt with a migraine in the NBA. He missed two games last season due to a migraine that was causing concussion-like symptoms.
Edey was shooting hook shots and free throws during the media viewing portion of practice. Coach Tuomas Iisalo said Edey is still being evaluated ahead of the game.
“Just basic movements,” Iisalo said. “No defense, no nothing. Just able to move around a little bit.”
While Edey may sound like he was limited, the Grizzlies didn’t have a high-intensity practice. Memphis doesn’t practice often during the season on a day sandwiched between two games.
In fact, Iisalo was reluctant to call the team’s gathering a practice. The Grizzlies focused more on video, creating understanding and combining those with physical habits and situational awareness.
“Practice is something where you go live and you at least have some situations, even if it’s against the coaches or the video guys or player on player, but those are so rare,” Iisalo said.
Edey is averaging 10.2 points and 7.6 rebounds through his first five games. If you take away the six minutes in his last appearance before the injury, those numbers jump to 12.3 points and 9.3 rebounds.
The Grizzlies (6-11) are already without Brandon Clarke, who would likely be the backup center if he was healthy. Clarke is recovering from a knee surgery he received in late September. He’s expected to return sometime in late December or early January.
Jock Landale, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama have also played major roles in the frontcourt.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
