Zach

Edey

Edey finished one rebound shy of his second double-double in as many games, and the percentages and defensive contributions were also solid. The Grizzlies rookie has provided 8th-round value in 9-cat formats over the past two weeks, and he has been a 6th-round player in FT%-punt builds. Those who made the hasty assumption during the pre-draft process that Edey would not fit in today’s NBA may soon be lining up for plates of crow.

Edey was outstanding on Thursday, recording his second 20-point double-double and a complete stat line. If there’s been an issue for the rookie recently, it’s been the charity stripe. Edey has made 44.4% of his attempts over the past two weeks, which is why he’s only a 10th-round player in 8- and 9-cat formats during this stretch. However, remove the free throw percentage, and Edey is a top-75 talent.

After coming off the bench in his first game back from a sprained ankle, Edey was inserted into the starting lineup on Thursday. The rookie outplayed Draymond Green, who had some negative things to say about Edey and Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins on a recent episode of his podcast. Effective in the paint offensively and defensively, Edey also hit a 3-pointer during Thursday’s 144-93 rout. Brandon Clarke, who had been the starting center, finished with eight points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocked shots in 24 minutes off the bench. We’ll see if this holds, but Edey’s fantasy value will be boosted if he remains a starter.

Memphis will bump Edey back into the starting unit, which is great news for his fantasy upside. He may see limited minutes against the Warriors, since they tend to use smaller lineups. Brandon Clarke will come off the bench, but he should still see a significant role.

Sunday’s game was the first for Edey since November 17, and the rookie didn’t check in until Jay Huff appeared to tweak his ankle during the second quarter. Edey would play 24 minutes, recording his third double-double of the season. The minutes are worth tracking, as Huff (three points, three rebounds, one steal, and one 3-pointer) played six minutes, and starter Brandon Clarke (five points, five rebounds, and one assist) 13, with Edey starting the second half. Edey will have increased fantasy value is this split holds. Memphis plays two games in Week 8, beginning with the Warriors at home on Thursday.

Edey has missed nearly a month, but is set to return against the Lakers Sunday. Despite coming off the bench, he’ll be a fantasy option, though fantasy managers should anticipate Edey to be on a minutes restriction in his first game back.

Edey has been sidelined for nearly a month, last appearing in a game on November 17. If he can play against the Lakers, that would give the Grizzlies another option off the bench. Fantasy managers should not expect too much from Edey, as his minutes will likely be restricted.

While the “doubtful” tag gave some a sliver of hope that Edey would return on Friday, the 7-foot-4 center will not play. Jay Huff has played additional minutes off the bench in Edey’s absence, but this has not significantly impacted fantasy basketball. While Brandon Clarke was a starter even before Edey’s injury, Santi Aldama is Memphis’ second-most valuable big in fantasy basketball, trailing only Jaren Jackson Jr.

Edey has been sidelined for nearly a month, and while he likely won’t be back on Friday, he’s inching closer a return. When that happens, Jay Huff may lose out on some minutes off the bench, but Brandon Clarke should remain in the starting lineup.

Edey practiced with the Memphis Hustle before a potential return to game action this weekend. However, according to Jenkins, the team did not like what it saw from the 7-foot-4 pivot health-wise, so he’ll remain sidelined and continue his recovery. Edey’s continued absence likely keeps Jay Huff in the rotation, but he’s unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball.