Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle Addresses Ivica Zubac's Potential Debut

Ahead of the Pacers' clash against the Clippers, Carlisle gave an update on a potential late-season debut for Zubac. He also said that the Croatian big man is progressing well in his injury recovery.

"Yeah, he'll play this season. I don't know when. He's doing better, but he's not there yet and we're not going to send a guy out there to play who isn't 100 percent," Carlisle said.

The Clippers are Missing Ivica Zubac

Zubac was the Clippers' starting center since the 2018-19 season, before his stint with the franchise ended this year. Although he isn't a star, he's one of the most reliable big men across the NBA.

During his eight-year stay with the Clippers, he averaged 11.4 points and 9.3 rebounds on 62.7% shooting. He had his best season last year, where he averaged 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds. He finished sixth in the Defensive Player of the Year voting and was named to the All-Defensive Second Team.

Ahead of the contest, Clippers coach Ty Lue admitted that the team and fans are missing Zubac, and he spoke highly of him.

"He meant a lot. A good player that got better every year… from not playing in fourth quarters to finishing games… But more than all of that he was a great human being. He loved other guys’ success, he played every single night. We miss him," Lue said.

Pacers Secured Their Starting Center for Tyrese Haliburton

Before the start of the season, the Pacers' longtime starting center, Myles Turner, left to join the Milwaukee Bucks . This left a hole in their frontcourt. Although Jay Huff has done well, Indiana wants to prepare for Tyrese Haliburton's return and secure a reliable big man.

This led to their decision to trade for Zubac, who has a respectable reputation in the league. The Pacers expect Haliburton to form an on-court bond with the 28-year-old big man and help them have a strong 2026-27 season.