Isaiah Stewart Exited Preseason Game After Fall
The Memphis Grizzlies center left the floor during a contest against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Basketball
Memphis Grizzlies center Isaiah Stewart departed a preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks after suffering a fall while contesting a shot at the rim. Stewart was able to limp off the court and walk to the locker room under his own power.
Why it matters
The injury occurred during the preseason while the team manages the availability of its centers, including the absence of projected starter Zach Edey.
Isaiah Stewart played his first five seasons with the Detroit Pistons before joining the Grizzlies in the summer of 2026. The injury occurred during the team's preseason opener.
The players
Isaiah Stewart
He is a center for the Memphis Grizzlies who previously played for the Detroit Pistons for five seasons.
Zach Edey
He is the projected starting center for the Memphis Grizzlies who missed the team's preseason opener.
The details
Stewart slipped and landed awkwardly after challenging an opponent's shot at the rim. Despite the fall, he successfully navigated his way to the locker room unassisted.
Timeline
October 5, 2026: Isaiah Stewart left the preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks.
The Big Picture
This incident follows the standard pattern established by the NBA preseason injury protocol regarding team health management. Preseason contests are often used to evaluate roster depth while prioritizing player availability for the upcoming regular season schedule.
The absence of Stewart compounds roster challenges as the Grizzlies are already without projected starter Zach Edey. Fantasy managers and fans should monitor injury reports closely to see how the team adjusts its center rotation for subsequent games.
The takeaway
Preseason games serve as critical testing grounds for roster depth, especially when primary rotation players are sidelined. Teams often exercise significant caution with health concerns to ensure key contributors remain ready for the start of the regular season.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's rotation, visit the Memphis Basketball page.
