Zach Randolph Benched vs. Heat: Latest Comments, Reaction

Memphis Grizzlies sideline reporter Rob Fischer noted that power forward Zach Randolph will not start in Sunday night's game against the Miami Heat.

The 15-year veteran has missed four games this season, but he started all 19 he's played, averaging 14.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.              

Per Fischer, Matt Barnes and Courtney Lee will start for the benched Randolph and injured Tony Allen.  

Randolph has played well of late, registering a double-double with 21 points and 16 rebounds Dec. 9 in a win over the Detroit Pistons. He had 13 and seven his last game out, Dec. 11 against the Charlotte Hornets.

After the 100-97 loss, head coach Dave Joerger said, "We're [Grizzlies] going to play like this for a while," according to Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal.

It will be interesting to see what that means going forward.

Randolph's minutes have been steady, as he's played more than 20 in every game since a blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 2.

It does seem a little odd considering Randolph is the team's leading rebounder and third-leading scorer; however, Joerger obviously feels like the more versatile Barnes will help them compete against "small-ball"-type offenses the league is moving toward.

Even with the benching, Randolph played 26 minutes, scoring 12 points and grabbing six rebounds.