Zach Edey exits game against Victor Wembanyama's Spurs as Grizzlies face major injury scare

Memphis Grizzlies rookie center Zach Edey experienced a setback on Friday when he was elbowed in the face during his team’s matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

Midway through the second quarter, Spurs forward Julian Champagnie attacked the rim for a layup, meeting Edey in the process. As Champagnie went up, his elbow struck Edey’s face, leaving the Purdue alumnus with a bloodied nose.

The Grizzlies later announced that Edey would not return for the rest of the game due to a nose injury sustained during the incident.

Before his exit, Edey played seven minutes, scoring four points on 2-for-2 shooting while also contributing four rebounds and one assist.

Edey’s injury compounds the Grizzlies’ already significant injury woes. Memphis entered the game without Marcus Smart, Vince Williams Jr., GG Jackson and Ja Morant.

The rookie center is averaging 9.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game this season but has dealt with several injuries, including a calf strain in October, an ankle injury in November and a concussion in December.

Despite the setback and trailing 64-62 at halftime, the Grizzlies mounted a 40-22 third quarter to seize control of the game.

Zach Edey has hilarious comment about matchup with Victor Wembanyama

Zach Edey and Victor Wembanyama are two of the NBA’s tallest players, with Edey standing 7-foot-4, the league’s tallest, and Wembanyama tied for second at 7-foot-3 alongside Phoenix Suns forward Bol Bol.

Before the game, Edey expressed excitement about matching up with Wembanyama, the one player he feels truly matches him in stature.

"He's probably the only other dude in the NBA I can look eye-to-eye with," Edey said before the Spurs game (per SI). "Definitely looking forward to this one."

While Edey holds the edge in height, Wembanyama has the advantage in wingspan. The reigning Rookie of the Year boasts a remarkable 8-foot wingspan, the longest in the league, compared to Edey’s 7-foot-11 reach.

The Grizzlies selected Zach Edey with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Beyond his towering size, Edey brings versatility on offense with his playmaking ability when doubled and his capacity to shoot from the perimeter.

Defensively, his height and presence in the paint make him a formidable force.