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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 10: Paul Reed #7 of the Detroit Pistons and Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Clippers chase after the ball during the second quarter of a game at Little Caesars Arena on January 10, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers have the worst record in the league. They accomplished that feat after blowing a 20-point lead in Sacramento to the Kings. Most of Indiana’s normal starters were out for that game for various injuries, including Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard.
Meanwhile, Ivica Zubac has yet to play since he was acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers. Rick Carlisle keeps evading the question of when he’s going to play. Zubac has been out for the last few weeks with an ankle injury, and it’s clear Indiana is not rushing him back.
Ahead of a game against the Suns, there has been some big news regarding Zubac’s health.
GettyLos Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac shoots the ball. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Indiana Pacers Center Ivica Zubac Could Make Team Debut vs Suns
According to the NBA injury report, Indiana is officially listing Zubac as questionable for that game against Phoenix. This is the first time he has carried that designation since the trade was made in mid-February. It’s also the first game they have back at home after a four-game road trip.
It would make sense to have his team debut in a game at home. It would give the crowd a chance to welcome him to the city and the team. He is averaging 14.1 points and 11 rebounds per game this season when he was with the Clippers.
Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, and T.J. McConnell are all listed as questionable for the game, as well. If none of these guys play on Thursday, they would likely play on Friday on the second night of a back-to-back. It is nice for Indiana to get a look at what Zubac can bring to the team.
The addition of Zubac was made with an eye towards next season when Tyrese Haliburton returns. The center spot has been by far the weakest position on the roster. Jay Huff has been starting for most of the year, but they have started five different centers this year.
GettyLos Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac holds the ball. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
What to Expect From Ivica Zubac This Season
There shouldn’t be high hopes for what Zubac will bring to the team this season. He isn’t a shot-creator on his own, and assists have cratered without Haliburton on the floor this season. He is an excellent rebounder and a solid defender, however. Zubac is also an effective lob-catcher.
Zubac can score in the post, as well. This year, the Pacers are going to be cautious with his playing time. They will allow him enough time to get chemistry with Nembhard, Nesmith, and Siakam as his fellow starters. They also don’t want him to play long enough to help the team win games.
Keeping their 2026 first-round pick is their top priority. Indiana needs the pick to fall within the 1-4 range for that to realistically happen. Since they have the worst offense in the NBA, that likely won’t be hard to do. While Zubac should help that a bit, he won’t have a substantial effect yet.
Ryan Stano Ryan Stano covers the NBA for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano
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