As the Detroit Pistons‘ 2025-2026 NBA season reaches the final phase of the regular season, they are doing what they can to get some of their recovering players in the best shape possible before the playoffs.
Isaiah Stewart falls on that list, as he spent a large chunk of the final stretch sidelined due to suspension and an injury.
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 03: Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons and Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks argue during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum on December 03, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Stewart recently returned to the court for the Pistons. Ahead of their April 8 game against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Pistons had Stewart come off the bench for 10 minutes. He went 3-3 from the field to score three points. He also came down with one rebound.
Barring any unexpected changes, the Pistons are planning to have Stewart on the court once again for their Friday night matchup against the Charlotte Hornets.
Detroit Pistons Announce Isaiah Stewart’s Status vs Charlotte
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 28: Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after a second half basket while playing the Chicago Bulls with Cade Cunningham #2 and Jalen Duren #0 at Little Caesars Arena on October 28, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 118-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Pistons’ injury report includes three players. Two of them (Wendell Moore and Isaac Jones) are two-way players ruled out.
Kevin Huerter is the other player listed. He is questionable to play due to an illness.
With Stewart left off, it confirms he is set to play in his second-straight game for the first time since March 5.
Since the Pistons’ February 9 game against the Hornets, Stewart has appeared in just eight games. He missed seven games after getting ejected in Charlotte.
Although he returned for seven games in early March, a calf injury sidelined Stewart for 13 games. If all goes right, he’ll be healthy and fully ready for the playoffs.
This season, Stewart has appeared in 56 games for the Pistons. He averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks throughout the year.
The Pistons Are Gearing Up For A Big Run
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 22: Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates a three pointer against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on October 22, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
After making the NBA Playoffs as a sixth seed in 2025, the Pistons are going into the 2026 postseason as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
This postseason marks the second playoff run in Stewart’s career. Last year, an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the series after Game 1. He hopes to find different results this season.
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