NBA Notes: Grizzlies, Zach Edey, Hawks, Zaccharie Risacher, Knicks

Grizzlies

Memphis will be without its most impactful player for at least a month. The team announced Thursday that center Zach Edey has been diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left ankle and will be reevaluated in four weeks.

Agent Mark Bartelstein told ESPN’s Shams Charania that the decision is part of a long-term plan to protect Edey’s health and that both the short- and long-term outlooks remain “excellent.”

It is still a major setback for the Grizzlies. They opened the season 4-9 without Edey while he finished his recovery from offseason ankle surgery. Since his return, Memphis has won seven of 11 and looked far more composed with the big man anchoring the defense.

Edey has averaged 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 25.8 minutes through 11 games. Memphis has outscored opponents by 18.3 points per 100 possessions during his floor time, while posting a defensive rating of 94.5 in those minutes.

Jock Landale is expected to start in Edey’s absence, with Jaren Jackson Jr. seeing more action at center.

The team also delivered two more injury updates. Swingman John Konchar will undergo surgery to repair a torn UCL in his left thumb and is out indefinitely. Also, guard Javon Small continues to make progress from turf toe and is projected to return in three to five weeks.

The update did not reference Ja Morant, but the All-Star guard appears close. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters that Morant completed a full practice on Thursday. His availability for Friday against Utah will be determined after the team sees how he responds.

Hawks

Zaccharie Risacher has dealt with some ups and downs in his second NBA season, but the Hawks are stressing patience. Last year’s No. 1 pick is averaging 11.1 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting below his rookie marks.

As noted by Lauren Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Risacher has been battling minor injuries and inconsistency, but teammates believe the work he is putting in will eventually tilt the percentages back in his favor.

“He’s working really hard and for guys like him, that is going to turn around sooner or later,” Hawks guard Vit Krejci said. “If you are consistent with your work, you will go through ups and downs, but he has handled everything well. Just keep working and keep your confidence up.”

Knicks

New York will continue to be without guard Miles McBride. The team announced Thursday that McBride will be reevaluated in one week after spraining his left ankle in Sunday’s win over Orlando.

McBride suffered the injury when he and Desmond Bane both fell to the floor on a contested layup attempt. He missed Tuesday’s quarterfinal and will be out for Saturday’s semifinal, and Tuesday’s championship game if the Knicks advance.

If New York loses Saturday, the schedule gives McBride additional recovery time before next Thursday’s matchup in Indiana.

McBride has been a vital piece of the Knicks’ backcourt rotation. He is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, minutes and three-point shooting at 44.4 percent.

Without him, the Knicks are expected to lean more heavily on Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek behind Jalen Brunson.

(Brady Amico contributed to this report.)