Is Zach Edey playing tonight against Dallas Mavericks? Latest on Grizzlies center's status for Summer League game (July 15)

Memphis Grizzlies rookie center Zach Edey has become a must-watch attraction in the NBA Summer League as the Grizzlies play their fifth game in the Summer League on Monday. The Grizzlies are up against the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas in a highly anticipated matchup.

According to ESPN's Michael Wallace, the Grizzlies' front office has stated that Edey is "day-to-day" with a sore ankle and will probably be sitting out of the Summer League games until his full recovery.

Edey, the 7-foot-4 center who was drafted ninth overall in the 2024 draft, turned heads with a 14-point, 15-rebound performance against the Utah Jazz on July 8. He even forced overtime with a clutch bucket at the buzzer. However, an ankle injury sustained early in that game sidelined him for the Grizzlies' next four consecutive contests.

Even if Edey sits out, tonight's game promises to be another exciting showcase for the Grizzlies' young core. Guards Jake LaRavia and Cam Spencer have impressed throughout the Summer League, and fans will be eager to see how they perform against the Mavericks.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies preview

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a narrow one-point loss to the Jazz in their Summer League opener. They are averaging 89 points on 38.2% shooting while allowing 90 points on 48.1% shooting.

Brandon Williams leads the team with averages of 21.0 points and 5.0 assists, while AJ Lawson contributes 16.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. The Mavericks are allowing their opponents to shoot 40.9% from beyond the arc and are averaging 43 rebounds per game themselves.

Coming off a dominant win against the Kings, the Memphis Grizzlies boast a strong offense, averaging 90.5 points per game on 40.1% shooting. Their defense remains stingy, allowing just 86.3 points on 42.3% shooting.

Jake LaRavia paces the team with 20.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest, while Scotty Pippen Jr. has chipped in with 18.0 points and 4.7 assists. The Grizzlies' defense is tough, especially on 3-pointers. Other teams only make 32.5% of their shots from behind the 3-point line against Memphis. On top of that, the Grizzlies are great at grabbing rebounds, averaging over 41.0 per game.

Grizzlies coach highlights Zach Edey's strengths amid backlash over draft pick

The Memphis Grizzlies' decision to draft Purdue center Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 draft raised some eyebrows. Some fans questioned whether a traditional big man could fit into the modern NBA style. However, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins made it clear that they see the rookie big man as a part of their future in Memphis.

Jenkins said in a recent interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio:

"We're trying to challenge him more, defensively, showing some more versatility. But we know he's gotta be an anchor for us on the defensive side in our system. We prioritize protecting the paint. I don't care what anyone's saying about Zach Edey and the pick. He was high on our board, a guy that has all the characteristics that we stand for...he's got a competitive nature to him.

"We're trying to create new running habits for him. Also him having the ability to playmake, whether it's off dribble-handoff situations, kicking it out from the post, but the also scoring in the post."

Zach Edey has dominated the paint throughout his college career. He was excellent on both the offensive and defensive ends because of his giant frame and strength to match. Jenkins watched Edey and saw more than a throwback center that some critics believe to be essentially unplayable in an up-and-down league.

The Grizzlies traded away veteran center Steven Adams this offseason, freeing up space for Edey to develop. Coach Jenkins is impressed with Edey's early work ethic, and whether he can silence the doubters remains to be seen. However, with the full backing of his coach, the rookie center has a chance to prove his worth in Memphis.