NBA Notes: Grizzlies, Zach Edey, Spurs, Victor Wembanyama, Pelicans
Grizzlies
The Grizzlies' season seemed destined to fizzle out at 4-11. But then Zach Edey (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/edeyza01.html?utmmedium=linker&utmsource=hoopswire.com&utmcampaign=2025-12-02bbr) stepped in and everything changed.
The second-year center has been instrumental in Memphis' five-win streak since his mid-November debut, his impact felt across the board.
"Everything," coach Tuomas Iisalo said, as quoted by Michael Wallace of Grind City Media (https://grindcitymedia.com/2025/12/01/mikecheck-edeys-dominance-means-everything-as-grizzlies-gain-stride-entering-december), "Great job overall by him and the whole team for realizing that’s where the advantage is."
Edey's performance in Sacramento on Sunday was his best yet: 32 points, 17 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 20 shots, hitting 16. Memphis soared to a plus-25 lead with Edey on the court, securing an eight-point victory.
"I’ve just been really comfortable this year," Edey said. "I’ve been settling in, feeling like I’m back at Purdue a little bit. Just comfortable. It feels like everybody’s been playing good basketball and executing the game plan and the vision."
Over his last three games, all wins, Edey averages 19.3 points, 17 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, and nearly 72% shooting in 32 minutes per night.
Spurs
Victor Wembanyama (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wembavi01.html?utmmedium=linker&utmsource=hoopswire.com&utmcampaign=2025-12-02bbr) and Stephon Castle (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/castlst01.html?utmmedium=linker&utmsource=hoopswire.com&utmcampaign=2025-12-02bbr) remain sidelined, but the Spurs view this as progress. Both players have resumed on-court workouts as they recover from calf and hip injuries, according to Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News (https://x.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/status/1995635810314715183).
Neither will travel to Orlando for Wednesday's back-to-back games, and their availability for the upcoming four-game road trip remains uncertain.
Pelicans
Just two days before news of his strained adductor (https://hoopswire.com/pelicans-zion-williamson-out-yet-again-this-time-with-adductor-injury/) emerged, Zion Williamson (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/willizi01.html?utmmedium=linker&utmsource=hoopswire.com&utmcampaign=2025-12-02bbr) exuded confidence, believing he had turned a corner.
"I haven’t felt like this since college, high school," Williamson said on Sunday, as quoted by Mark Medina of Athlon Sports (https://athlonsports.com/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/zion-williamson-injuries-potential). "I walk in the gym, and I feel good."
Interim head coach James Borrego praised Williamson's play while highlighting the next step in his development.
"That’s one area of growth for him that he and I consistently talk about. It’s how to lead," Borrego said. "He’s obviously a talent, but the more he can lean into leadership and grow into his teammates, that’s where he wants to go."
As the Pelicans await a healthier roster, they also await the return of Zion.
