Suns Player Punched Before Game vs Pistons

Phoenix Suns center Drew Eubanks was struck by Detroit Pistons player Isaiah Stewart.

PHOENIX -- Phoenix Suns center Drew Eubanks was reportedly struck by Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart prior to tonight's matchup.

More from The Athletic's NBA insider Shams Charania:

"Sources: Detroit Pistons F/C Isaiah Stewart punched Phoenix's Drew Eubanks in the back tunnels of Suns arena today. It's unclear what sparked the altercation. The NBA is expected to receive footage to review. More to come.

"Both Stewart and Eubanks were going chest-to-chest before a swing to Eubanks' face connected on Wednesday, sources said. Both were separated and there is police presence involved with the situation in Phoenix tonight."

Both Stewart and Eubanks were going chest-to-chest before a swing to Eubanks' face connected on Wednesday, sources said. Both were separated and there is police presence involved with the situation in Phoenix tonight. https://t.co/Kif6SiVp7q

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 15, 2024

The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin spoke to Eubanks and offered this on Twitter/X:

"I asked Drew Eubanks about incident with Isaiah Stewart.

"Said he was heading to the locker room inside arena when stopped by Stewart. Had words, and Eubanks said Stewart sucker punched him. 

"Security intervened and he's fine. Stewart is out tonight due to injury."

I asked Drew Eubanks about incident with Isaiah Stewart.

Said he was heading to the lockerroom inside arena when stopped by Stewart. Had words, and Eubanks said Stewart sucker punched him.

Security intervened and he's fine. Stewart is out tonight due to injury. #Suns #Pistons

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 15, 2024

“The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable. We unequivocally support Drew, and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA," said the team in an official statement. 

“Basically we were walking in, words were said and we got face-to-face, and then (Stewart) just sucker-punched me,” Eubanks said pregame to reporters.

“You can see what he does, how he acts on the court.”

Opening tip is slated for 7:00 PM local time at Footprint Center. 

Eubanks is currently averaging 5.6 points per game to go along with 4.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.8 blocks per night. 

Stewart - who has started 34 of 35 games played with Detroit - is averaging 11 points per game with 6.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 0.8 blocks per night. 

The 8-45 Pistons are massive underdogs heading into tonight, as the Suns are favored by nearly 14 points across sportsbooks. The Suns are 32-22 and are winners of their last 13-of-17 as tonight approaches.