Zach Randolph Injury: Updates on Grizzlies Star's Knee and Return

Zach Randolph is battling a sore knee that has forced him out of action for the team's last five games. However, he is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Randolph to Play vs. 76ers

Sunday, Nov. 29

Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Randolph will try to play Sunday night.

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Randolph Vital to Grizzlies' Success

Although Randolph is getting up there in years—he turned 34 in July—he remains a critical piece in whatever success the Grizzlies will have in 2015-16. Only Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are more irreplaceable members of the Memphis squad.

The two-time All-Star averaged a double-double last year, which was the eighth time in nine seasons. He hauled in 16.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per night.

The Grizzlies also boasted a 6.3 net rating when Randolph was on the court, compared to a minus-1.1 rating when he was on the bench, per NBA.com, which further illustrated his value.

You can't understate Randolph's value in the loaded Western Conference. Even at full strength over the last few years, the Grizzlies have been a good team but not necessarily a serious NBA title contender.

Take Randolph out of the equation, and the road to the NBA Finals would be all the more arduous.