MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Griz star listed as day-to-day
Zach Randolph listed as day-to-day for Sunday’s game against Orlando after suffering left ankle sprain.
ORLANDO — The Grizzlies could be without forward Zach Randolph for a few days because of a sprained left ankle.
Randolph did not partici- pate in the team’s light practice Saturday and is listed as day-to-day for its game Sunday evening against the Orlando Magic. The veteran forward experienced swelling and soreness after suffering the injury Friday night during a 98-91 loss to the Miami Heat.
When asked about his status after receiving X-rays, Randolph said: “Man, I hope I’ll be all right. It’s painful.” X-rays were negative. But the Griz likely will opt to give Randolph some time to recuperate, given the schedule and upcoming opponents. Keeping Randolph out Sunday against a hapless
Orlando squad would give him four days of rest.
Memphis’ next game is Wednesday night against Portland in FedExForum. Plus, Orlando has lost 16 of its last 18 home games. The Magic have allowed an average of 114.8 points in their last five home games and 108 points over the past 10 overall contests.
Randolph was hurt on the opening possession of that loss to Miami.
He landed awkwardly after attempting a runner in the lane. Randolph immediately grabbed his left ankle and writhed in pain. He tried to jog and shake off the injury, but was clearly hobbled the rest of the game.
“When Zach hurt his ankle and wasn’t able to play at full strength, it slowed him down,” Griz coach Lionel Hollins said. “That was a factor.”
Randolph became less effective in the paint as the game wore on even though he logged 37 minutes. He had just four points and three rebounds in the second half.
“His step wasn’t like he’s used to,” center Marc Gasol said after the loss to the Heat. “He had to settle a lot.”
If Randolph isn’t able to play, reserves Darrell Arthur and Ed Davis will receive more playing time.