Pacers center Ivica Zubac sustained a fractured rib in Wednesday’s loss to Portland, according to Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star (Twitter link), who reports that Zubac will sit out the rest of the season while he recovers from the injury.
Zubac left Wednesday’s game early, though his exit happened after he was on the wrong end of a Donovan Clingan elbow, and the head contusion he suffered on that play was the ailment he discussed during his post-game media session. It’s unclear when the rib fracture occurred.
Zubac, who was traded from the Clippers to Indiana at February’s deadline, was still recovering from a left ankle sprain at the time of the deal and didn’t make his Pacers debut until last week. He has been limited to just 48 total appearances this season due to various health issues.
In his five games as Indiana’s starting center – all losses – Zubac averaged 11.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 23.6 minutes per contest. His full-season averages were 14.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, and 2.2 APG in 30.1 MPG.
Although Zubac was able to suit up for a few games as a Pacer this season, the team traded for him with an eye toward 2026/27 and beyond. With a healthy Zubac in the middle and star point guard Tyrese Haliburton back from his Achilles tear, Indiana is hopeful that it will once again become a title contender after coming within one win of a championship last June.
With Zubac unavailable, big man Jay Huff figures to reclaim a spot in the starting lineup. He started 15 of 16 games at the five between the start of February and Zubac’s debut. Reserve center Micah Potter, who lost his rotation spot with Zubac healthy, will likely resume playing regular minutes once he’s healthy. He was inactive on Tuesday and Wednesday due to a right triceps strain.
Pacers have made it so obvious that they are playing for 2027 I believe they could have won 40+ games with this team if they tried and were a little healthier
I don’t blame them though for the vision of Haliburton and Siakam with someone like dybantsa
with what players? they’ve had nobody healthy all year
Tough break (no pun intended). But I don’t think this impacts their draft status since they’ll most likely still be @ 14%
86% chance at #5 pick —
Next year Pacers are going to win 60+ games.
healthy hali, healthy zubac, siakam, nembhard, nesmith + boozer/dybansta/darryn/caleb = 2026-27 champs
Be careful what you wish for ….
Frankly Imo Clippers still make the trade. Even if pick is top 8 protected. Doing it for a top 4 pick. Only made the tank more critical. Now they have to have worst record. I am rooting for Clippers. Silver is too.
8th overall pick is what they deserve
The Pacers have the worst front office imaginable. Knowing they needed a Center, they should have drafted Raynaud instead of Newell. They might have 16 wins by now…/s