Why is Zach Edey not playing against Thunder? Grizzlies rookie's late scratch explored

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey is another player who won't be available to take on the OKC Thunder on Sunday night. The former Purdue star was ruled out for this anticipated matchup due to a concussion.

The team announced on Sunday that the Canadian player is in the concussion protocol and was downgraded to out for this matchup. This is a big loss for the Grizzlies, who will have a diminished frontcourt with Edey sidelined.

As a result, the Grizzlies will have to rely on Jay Huff, Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr. to lead their frontcourt. Before Edey went down with this injury, they lost Santi Aldama. In 19 games this season, Zach Edey has become one of the best rookies in the league, averaging 11.3 points and 8.0 rebounds in 19 matchups.

As promising as his beginnings in the league have been, Edey also missed 13 games earlier in the season after he sustained an ankle injury.

Concussions are always a mystery for players and teams, so time will tell if Edey will be healthy for the Grizzlies' next game against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. After that, they will return to action against the Sacramento Kings on Friday, Jan. 3.

Zach Edey joins Ja Morant, more veterans as inactive

The Memphis Grizzlies entered this matchup with a lengthy injury report that made it easy to think the Thunder would have an easy walk to the victory. Before they announced Zach Edey was a late scratch, Ja Morant was listed as out for this matchup.

The star point guard left the Grizzlies' 132-124 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday after suffering a right shoulder injury in the third quarter. After crashing with a legal screen set by Daniel Theis, Morant fell to the ground and exited the game. After going to the locker room, he returned to the bench but didn't play another minute for the Grizzlies.

Just last season, he suffered a torn labrum in the same shoulder that cut his season short. The Grizzlies must be careful about this, more so considering that Morant missed eight games with hip and pelvic muscle injuries earlier in the season.

Memphis went through a lot last season regarding injuries. The Zach Edey news is concerning for Taylor Jenkins' team, especially in January, a crucial month for teams' playoff aspirations.