Is Zach Edey playing tonight? Exploring Grizzlies rookie's availability vs Phoenix Suns (Dec.31)

As the year draws to a close, the Kevin Durant-led Phoenix Suns will hope to wrap up the year with a home win against the shorthanded Zach Edey and the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. The last few weeks have been a time to forget for the Grizzlies, with several key players sidelined by injuries, including rookie Zach Edey.

The team announced on Sunday that Zach Edey is in concussion protocol. The Memphis center was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. His status remains unchanged for Tuesday's game, ruling him out of the New Year's Eve clash.

This is the second injury he has suffered this season, having missed 13 games due to an ankle injury earlier month. That has been the key theme this season, with injuries coming at times when the Grizzlies look like they were marching on.

They were beaten by the OKC Thunder on Monday and showed severe weakness in the absence of Edey & Co. Losing the 7-foot-4 inches tall center significantly limits the Grizzlies' depth.

Forward Santi Aldama is already sidelined, while Brandon Clarke, the only other player to start at center this season,is also ruled out. Additionally, Ja Morant is listed as week-to-week due to a Grade 1 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder.

There's optimism that Edey could return to face the Sacramento Kings on Jan.4, but should he not, Taylor Jenkins will be left with a huge selection headache, and not the positive kind.

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Zach Edey’s season so far

Zach Edey has enjoyed a strong start to his rookie season, averaging 11.3 points and eight rebounds in 20 games. While his early displays were steady but unspectacular, last month’s performances have seen the former Purdue star find his stride.

The 22-year-old has provided an energetic and exciting spark to their Grizzlies squad. With his elite rim protection and fluidity scoring, screening and rebounding, he could be a key weapon for the Grizzlies for years to come.

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How to watch Memphis Grizzlies vs Phoenix Suns

The game is scheduled to tip off at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday at the Footprint Center. Fans looking to catch the action can tune into AZFamily and FDSSE, where the game will be broadcast live in the USA, starting one hour the before the tip off.

Additionally, viewers can stream the match via the Fubo TV or NBA League Pass, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of what promises to be an exciting year-end matchup.