Yao Ming-style injury alert! Zack Edey has a stress reaction in his left ankle and is expected to rest for at least four weeks after the last game against Yang Hansen.

On December 12th Beijing time, the Grizzlies confirmed that center Zack Edey is suffering from a stress reaction in his left ankle. Following some time off for rest and rehab, a full recovery is anticipated. The team plans to reevaluate him in approximately four weeks and will share further information when available.

“This management plan was developed in consultation with the Grizzlies and medical experts to optimize Zack’s long-term health,” said his agent, Bartelstein from Priority Sports, to ESPN. “With this adjustment, Zack’s prospects for both short-term and long-term recovery are very positive.”

In the last six games, Edey has averaged 16.5 points, 14 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, during which the Grizzlies have won 7 out of 9 games.

Edey underwent surgery on his left ankle in June this year. He had injured his ankle during offseason training, requiring surgery for repair and stabilization. As a result, he missed the Grizzlies’ first 13 games of the new season and made his season debut on November 16th.

The term “stress” is likely familiar to Chinese fans. Yao Ming’s injury back then was associated with this term, specifically a more severe stress fracture. A stress reaction is a precursor stage to a stress fracture, and if not properly healed, it can eventually lead to a more serious fracture.

So far this season, Edey has played 11 games for the Grizzlies, averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks with a shooting percentage of 63.3%. His last game was against Chinese player Yang Hansen. In that match, Edey shot 5 of 11 from the field, 0 of 2 from three-point range, scoring 12 points with 10 rebounds and 3 assists, but committed 6 turnovers and fouled out with six fouls. Yang made his first career start, playing 19 minutes and 13 seconds, scoring 4 points with 5 rebounds and 2 assists, shooting 5 attempts, 0 of 2 from three, with 2 turnovers and 5 fouls.

Edey stands 2.21 meters tall and weighs 138 kilograms. Such a large center puts significant stress on his ankles. Now with a stress reaction present, the Grizzlies are taking a cautious approach to managing this injury.