Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey making preseason debut vs Magic

Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey will play against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 7, coach Tuomas Iisalo said.

Edey, drafted No. 9 overall in 2024, has had two ankle procedures since joining the NBA. His most recent came after playing just 15 games last season.

The Grizzlies have said that Edey has been fully cleared, but they have been cautiously monitoring him. Playing in the regular-season opener on Oct. 21 has been the priority for Edey, and the Grizzlies were pleased with his progress.

"This was pretty much the best-case scenario that we had planned, and there was nothing that prevented us from going through," Iisalo said.

The Grizzlies will be conservative with Edey's minutes, Iisalo said.

As for the rest of the team, the starters will see gradual increases in minutes played. Every player stayed under 20 minutes in the preseason opener. Ty Jerome and Quinten Post played in only the first half before sitting out the second half of the Oct. 5 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.