Isaiah Stewart Doubtful for Grizzlies Season Opener With Ankle Sprain

Isaiah Stewart is doubtful for the Memphis Grizzlies' season opener Wednesday because of a left ankle sprain.

Memphis hosts the Utah Jazz at FedExForum at 7 p.m. CT. Stewart was the only player listed on the Grizzlies' first injury report of the 2026-27 season, The Commercial Appeal's Damichael Cole reported Tuesday.

GG Jackson, who sat out the Oct. 16 preseason finale with an ankle injury, was not on the report.

Stewart sprained the ankle in the first quarter of the Oct. 5 preseason opener in Atlanta, his first game in a Memphis uniform. The Grizzlies beat the Atlanta Hawks 132-123, and Stewart finished with one rebound in two minutes.

On Oct. 9, the team classified the sprain as moderate and said he would be re-evaluated in two weeks.

During the part of Monday's practice open to media, Stewart went through individual work and tried hook shots around the rim, Cole reported.

"He's doing well," Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said. "He's progressing right on the timetable. He's exactly where we expected him to be. He's in very good spirits. Very positive."

Zach Edey is expected to start at center against Utah. Quinten Post would be Edey's primary backup if Stewart cannot go, according to Cole.

Edey appeared in 11 games last season. On Dec. 11, Memphis announced a stress reaction in his left ankle, and he did not play again.

He averaged 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in those games while shooting 63.3% from the field.

Held out of the preseason opener in Atlanta, Edey made his debut two nights later against Orlando. It was his first game since Dec. 7.

Post started in Edey's place in Atlanta and had eight points and four rebounds in 12 minutes.

Memphis landed him with a three-year, $30 million offer sheet he signed July 6, and the Golden State Warriors declined to match it before their deadline the following night, two years after drafting him 52nd overall.

He averaged 7.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in 67 games for Golden State last season.

On Monday, the Grizzlies set their opening night roster by waiving Walter Clayton Jr. and Micah Peavy. Peavy missed all four preseason games with an ankle injury.

Edey, Stewart, and Post are the three centers among the 15 players Memphis carries on standard contracts.

Memphis went 25-57 last season.

The Grizzlies acquired Stewart from the Detroit Pistons on June 24 for three future second-round picks. He is making $15 million this season, and his $15 million salary for 2027-28 is a team option.

Stewart averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 58 games for Detroit last season. He finished seventh in Sixth Man of the Year voting.

Through 365 games with the Pistons, he averaged 8.8 points and 6.8 rebounds.

After the opener, Memphis plays at Golden State on Friday, 14 days after the team's update on Stewart.