What impact will Zach Edey's return have on the Grizzlies?

Winners of four consecutive games and 10 out of their last 11 games, the Memphis Grizzlies are preparing to take on the Los Angeles Lakers for the third time this season. The teams split their first two games with the home team winning each and Ja Morant suffering a hip injury in the first matchup that caused him to miss eight straight games.

The Grizzlies' superstar point guard isn't the only player to miss at least eight consecutive games as their rookie center Zach Edey has missed the team's last 12 games due to an ankle sprain.

The Grizzlies have a 10-2 record in those games and have transitioned smoothly by shortening the rotation and defining player's roles. With Zach Edey questionable to return against the Lakers, what does his return mean for the surging Grizzlies?

A CounterPunch

Zach Edey's potential return against the Lakers is what the doctor ordered for the Grizzlies. Anthony Davis has normally had his way playing against the Grizzlies in the past but he struggled in their second matchup this season.

After missing the Lakers' first game against the Grizzlies, Anthony Davis returned expecting to continue his somewhat dominance against the Grizzlies. However, the Grizzlies had a counter with the 7'4" rookie center coming off the bench.

Zach Edey helped the team hold Anthony Davis to a then-season-low of 21 points on 6-16 shooting. Edey produced 12 points, eight rebounds, and one block and utilized his six fouls to make the Lakers superstar work extra hard for his production.

After beginning the season with a 5-4 record in his first nine starts of the season, the Grizzlies were winners of three of five games with Zach Edey coming off the bench, mostly behind Brandon Clarke. Edey's best production was coming off the bench scoring double-digits and securing a block in every game

Also, Brandon Clarke's play improved with his insertion into the starting lineup next to Jaren Jackson Jr. Despite the Grizzlies' current streak without the rookie big man, Edey presents a counter to other team's strategy against them.

Zach Edey was second on the Kia Rookie Ladder when he went down for injury and remained in the top 10 in the recent rankings. His return and impact on the Grizzlies will pay dividends down the road for the Western Conference contenders.

Continuing his bench role is likely in the cards with the Grizzlies' current hot streak, but Edey figures to make an immediate impact back in the rotation as the primary backup big man who can provide a different level of physicality from any of the Grizzlies' other bigs.