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Detroit Pistons power forward Isaiah Stewart punched Phoenix Suns star Drew Eubanks ahead their game on Wednesday night.

The two players were said to have gone chest-to-chest before Stewart connected with a punch to Eubank’s lip area. 

According to The Athletic, police were forced to intervene to separate the two players. Stewart left the arena following the fracas with members of the Pistons’ staff. The NBA is is expected to investigate the incident.

Eubanks revealed that the altercation with Stewart unfolded as he was entering the arena. The pair exchanged words before Eubanks was ‘suckerpunched’, according to EmpireOfTheSuns. ‘

Eubanks then confirmed he would still play in the game, calling it a ‘soft punch’. 

Pistons power forward Isaiah Stewart reportedly punched Phoenix Suns star Drew Eubanks

The two players were arguing chest-to-chest before Eubanks was hit in the lip area

The reasons for the altercation are not clear, but the two players were aggressive towards each other – and verbally sparring – during their previous meeting on November 5.

Stewart was involved in an on-court scrap last season when he tried to retaliate after Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James hit him in the face with an elbow that left him gushing blood. 

On Wednesday, meanwhile, Eubanks was later seen participating in warmups ahead of the game.

He has appeared in 48 games this season and averaged 5.6 points and 4.2 rebounds while playing an average of 16 minutes per game.

Stewart has missed Detroit’s last few games due to an ankle injury and had joined the team during their West Coast road trip to prepare to return to the lineup following the All-Star break.

Before his spell on the sidelines Stewart had been averaging 11 points and 6.8 rebounds through 35 games. 

Last season Stewart was involved in an on-court altercation after LeBron James elbowed him