This season, when Zach Eady has been on the court, the Memphis Grizzlies have outperformed their opponents by 17.7 points per 100 possessions. Conversely, when Eady is off the court, the Grizzlies are outscored by 8.2 points per 100 possessions, resulting in a net difference of 25.9 points per 100 possessions favoring his presence.
Unfortunately for Memphis, Eady will be sidelined for at least a month due to a stress reaction in his left ankle, the team revealed on Thursday. This injury affects the same ankle he had surgery on during the offseason, which caused him to miss the first 13 games of the season.
Eady’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, told ESPN’s Shams Charania, “This is a management plan to optimize Zach’s long-term health in consultation with the Grizzlies and medical professionals. If this step is followed, Zach’s short- and long-term prognosis is good.”
This setback comes at a critical time, as the Grizzlies were gaining momentum with a 7-2 record over their last nine games. Additionally, star player Ja Morant, who was out with a calf strain, is expected to return soon.
In Eady’s absence, Jock Landale will step into the starting lineup, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is likely to spend more time playing center.
The Grizzlies also announced that wing player John Conchar will have surgery to repair a torn UCL in his left thumb. The team has not provided a timeline for his return, but such an injury usually sidelines players for at least a month.
Fan Take: This news is tough for basketball fans rooting for the Grizzlies, as losing a key player like Eady just as the team is hitting its stride could derail their momentum. It underscores how critical player health management is to a team’s success and the unpredictable nature of the sport.
