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Grizzlies could be without Gasol when they meet Trail Blazers

Jan 27, 2007 - 3:53 PM Portland (18-26) at Memphis (11-33) 8:00 pm EST

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Zach Randolph controlled the middle the first time he faced the Memphis Grizzlies and the Grizzlies could be shorthanded when they try to control him Saturday.

Randolph and the Portland Trail Blazers hit the road to take on Memphis, who could be without Pau Gasol.

Gasol, who is averaging 19.3 points and 7.8 rebounds in 21 games, could be unavailable after he missed Friday's loss to the San Antonio Spurs with a strained left hamstring.

In their first matchup on December 13, Randolph took care of business in the paint, collecting 21 points and 11 rebounds to help Portland hold on for an 85-79 triumph here.

However, the victory came just two days before Gasol made his season debut after missing the first 22 games with a broken foot.

The Grizzlies hope to rebound from Friday's 112-96 setback at San Antonio despite four players scoring in double figures led by Hakim Warrick's 27-point performance.

Portland is also coming off a defeat, a 99-69 thrashing against the Houston Rockets on Friday. Randolph was the lone Blazer to finish in double-digits with 13 points.

A sixth-year pro, Randolph averaged a double-double with 17.7 points and 10.0 rebounds in three starts against Memphis last season.

Portland dropped two of three in the season series a year ago, including an 89-79 decision here on December 21, 2005.