RICHMOND, Virginia, October 6, 2009 (AFP) - Allen Iverson suffered a strained left hamstring in a scrimmage and missed the first NBA pre-season game Tuesday night for his new club, the Memphis Grizzlies.

The 34-year-old guard, a 13-year NBA veteran who signed a one-year contract with the Grizzlies last month, suffered the injury Sunday in Alabama and missed a matchup with Washington ahead of an MRI exam set for Wednesday in Memphis.

Iverson, who gew up an hour's drive away in Hampton, has already been scratched from Wednesday's home game against Oklahoma City.

"I wouldn't even look at it as being safe or smart," Iverson said. "I can't go. If it was same seven in the finals, I wouldn't be able to go.

"It's frustrating. It's disheartening."

Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said he expects Iverson to be sidelined at least a week and was more concerned about the star guard being ready for the regular season that begins October 27 than training games.

"No need to rush him in. He's going to be out at least a week," Hollins said. "He's going to be fine. Allen works hard. Guys like playing with him. We have eight pre-season games."

Iverson has averaged 27.1 points a game in his NBA career but struggled in Detroit last season.