The preseason for the Memphis Grizzlies was unpredictable.

With a new coach, injuries and a revamped roster, there was a lot to learn about the Grizzlies.

Coach Tuomas Iisalo has emphasized the process over results. That was the right message, considering the Grizzlies went 1-4 in preseason games.

Many questions remain, but five preseason game have provided more clarity on what’s next for the Grizzlies. Memphis will open the season at home against the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 22.

Here are five takeaways from the Grizzlies’ preseason.

Injury bug won’t go away

Memphis just can’t get away from annoying injuries. It’s like a one step forward, two steps back process with the Grizzlies.

Jaren Jackson Jr. surprisingly played in the final two preseason games after it was unclear if he’d even be ready for the regular-season opener following a toe injury. However, the guards have been hit hard.

Ja Morant didn’t play in the preseason due to a left ankle sprain, and Scotty Pippen Jr. missed the final three games while dealing with a toe injury. To make matters worse, Ty Jerome injured his right calf in the preseason finale on Oct. 17 against the Miami Heat. He’ll be further evaluated when the team returns to Memphis.

This doesn’t include projected starting center Zach Edey, who is expected to make his season debut in November after getting a procedure done on his left ankle.

Injuries have hampered any chance of seeing the true potential of the Grizzlies during the preseason.

Clarity on rotation outlook

The picture is becoming clearer on which players will be in the Grizzlies’ rotation. Jaylen Wells and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have pretty much solidified themselves as starting wings on the perimeter with a healthy Morant. Jackson and Jock Landale are also expected to start at power forward and center, respectively.

Santi Aldama and Olvier-Maxence Prosper got backup frontcourt minutes against the Heat. With Brandon Clarke (knee procedure) and Edey out, Memphis will likely explore more small-ball lineups that could include players like GG Jackson and John Konchar, but Prosper’s defense and activity is giving him a leg up so far.

Patience with Cedric Coward

Another player who is continuing to get minutes early in games is first-round draft pick Cedric Coward. His numbers haven’t jumped out, but it’s clear that the Grizzlies are willing to be patient with the rookie wing.

Coward has been praised by teammates and coaches. Certain highights have shown flashes of why that’s the case, but he hasn’t put together a complete performance.

While Coward’s offense comes along, defense will be where he can make a name for himself early. Five preseason games is already one less than game Coward played in his final collegiate season. He’ll get a chance to grow through mistakes with hopes of the final product being the player Memphis expects to be a two-way standout.

Another second-round gem?

Say what you want about the Grizzlies’ recent history with first-round picks, but they have been finding great value in the second round. Rookie point guard Javon Small may be the latest example.

Drafted 48th overall in June, Small has come up big after the Grizzlies were hit with injuries. His confident shooting and playmaking were on display in the final two preseason games. In those matchups, Small combined for 34 points, 13 assists and made nine 3-pointers on 11 attempts.

Look out, Memphis may have another second-round gem.

Defensive concerns are valid

The thing about hope is it’s a form of positivity that can help manage coping.

After the Grizzlies struggled defensively in the second half of last season, there has been hope that this team would look better. When the defensive struggles were evident after three preseason games, there was hope that former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. could lead a change. Now that Jackson’s presence hasn’t drastically shifted things, the defensive concerns are valid.

Memphis has struggled with staying in front of the ball, despite having better defensive talent on the perimeter. Opponents have also had a field day scoring at the rim with little to no resistance. Memphis gave up 59.6 paint points per game in the preseason, which is five more points than any NBA team allowed last season.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.