The Memphis Grizzlies provide the latest details

On By Littum

The Memphis Grizzlies hope to have rookie Zach Edey back “soon,” according to coach Taylor Jenkins.

How soon will depend on a few boxes the 7-foot-4 center needs to check before he returns. The Grizzlies returned to practice Wednesday at FedExForum, and Jenkins gave an update on Edey.

“I think he’ll get some more contact over the next couple of days, maybe a playgroup on Friday, and then we’ll evaluate toward the end of the week,” Jenkins said.

Edey has been sidelined since Nov. 17, when he suffered a sprained ankle against the Denver Nuggets.

There was hope last week that he could return for one of this weekend’s games against the Boston Celtics or Washington Wizards. After a practice last week with the Memphis G League Hustle, Jenkins said the Grizzlies were “not comfortable” bringing Edey back so soon.

Memphis gave Edey a greater amount of work Wednesday than in recent days.

Edey is averaging 11.1 points and 6.9 rebounds in 14 games. He started nine matchups before coming off the bench in his final five games prior to his injury.

The Grizzlies return to action Friday night against the Brooklyn Nets at FedExForum (7 p.m. CT, FanDuel Sports Network).

Damichael Cole is the one Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.