Zach Edey Memphis Grizzlies Toronto Raptors matchup, Digi Mart USA News: Memphis Grizzlies centre Zach Edey is not looking too far ahead. After an injury-shortened sophomore season, he says his plan is simple: stay healthy and keep playing.
Sportsnet’s Michael Grange shared Edey’s comments on X on Monday morning, following the Grizzlies’ shootaround before their game against the Toronto Raptors.
“I’m healthy, I’m playing, that’s it,” Edey said when asked about his future plans with the Canadian basketball team. Monday’s game will also mark just the second time Edey has played in his hometown against the Raptors.
The 7-foot-4 big man has appeared in eight games this season, averaging 8.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.4 blocks in 20.5 minutes per game. He missed Memphis’ October 24 game against Sacramento because of an ankle injury, sitting out the first leg of a back-to-back.
Edey was limited to just 11 games last season due to ankle issues.
The Raptors have had trouble containing Edey in their previous meetings. Across two career games against Toronto, he has averaged 17.0 points, 15.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 blocks while shooting 70 percent from the field.
In his only appearance in Toronto during his rookie year, Edey recorded 13 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks in 25 minutes.
Those rebounding numbers are worth watching again Monday, especially with Jakob Poeltl expected to handle Edey’s size inside. Poeltl is coming off a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double against the Milwaukee Bucks, after a tougher outing against the Denver Nuggets.
He will have his hands full against the towering big man.
Edey is still working his way back from last season’s injury troubles. Against the Raptors, though, he has a track record worth paying attention to.
