Grizzlies' Randolph expected out six-to eight weeks

Jan 4, 2012, 22:13 GMT

Los Angeles - The Memphis Grizzlies are expected to be without their top scorer forward Zach Randolph for six-to-eight weeks after a magnetic resonance imaging test revealed a torn right medial collateral ligament in his right knee, according to team physician Dr Fred Azar on Wednesday.

Randolph, who had been averaging 14.8 points in the early season, sustained the injury in the first quarter of the January 1 loss at Chicago.

In an effort to fill the void, the Grizzlies acquired forward/centre Marreese Speights from the Philadelphia 76ers as part of a three-team trade also involving the New Orleans Hornets, Memphis general manager and vice president of basketball operations Chris Wallace announced on Wednesday.

As part of the deal, Memphis sent backup guard Xavier Henry to New Orleans and a 2012 second round draft pick to Philadelphia. The Hornets also sent a future second round pick to the 76ers.

Speights, 24, joins the Grizzlies with career averages of 7.2 points, 3.7 rebounds in 205 games over his first three seasons since being selected by Philadelphia in the first round of the 2008 NBA Draft. However, he has not played in the Sixers' first four games this season.

Henry averaged 4.3 points in 38 games for the Grizzlies as a rookie last season, but has missed the Grizzlies' first five games because of a right ankle sprain.