Isaiah Stewart leaves Grizzlies preseason opener after hard fall

Isaiah Stewart’s first preseason game with the Grizzlies didn’t last long.

Stewart left Monday’s 132-123 win over the Hawks with a left ankle injury and did not return, according to NBA.com.

The veteran big man appeared to land on an opposing player’s foot during the first quarter, then took a hard fall and limped to the locker room. Memphis initially listed him as doubtful to return before ruling him out for the remainder of the night.

Stewart finished with one rebound in two minutes.

It’s obviously too early to know whether this is anything that will linger. It’s also the preseason, so there wasn’t much reason for the Grizzlies to send Stewart back onto the floor even if he could have continued.

Still, Memphis will want to know more soon. Stewart joined the Grizzlies this offseason and is expected to provide some toughness and frontcourt depth behind Zach Edey, who is working his way back from offseason ankle and elbow surgeries.

The Grizzlies’ next preseason game comes Wednesday against the Magic.