Pacers welcome Ivica Zubac in long-awaited debut
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After more than a month on the sideline, center Ivica Zubac finally suited up for the Indiana Pacers this week. Fully recovered from a left ankle injury, the trade-deadline acquisition logged 16 minutes Thursday against Phoenix and 29 minutes Friday against New York.
Head coach Rick Carlisle said the closing weeks of the season are critical for building chemistry with the 27-year-old big man. “It’s important that Andrew Nembhard and Zubac play together,” Carlisle told reporters, noting the staff is introducing sets that highlight the 7-footer’s strengths. “Now it’s just a matter of more time together in games.”
Positioned for 2026-27
Indiana owns the league’s worst record, but management expects to chase another title next season with most of the recent NBA Finals roster intact and Zubac taking over for Myles Turner. The former Clipper said he has studied the Pacers’ system for weeks and believes his skill set fits seamlessly.
“No matter who plays on this team, they play the same way,” Zubac said. “They’re gonna move the ball, sacrifice for each other, play super hard. It’s really fun.”
Ankle now pain-free
According to Circle City Spin, Zubac had been battling ankle soreness in Los Angeles and did not expect full recovery until summer. The Pacers opted to keep him out until he reached 100 percent before clearing him for game action.
Other injury notes
- Backup point guard Quenton Jackson missed his second straight game Friday with what Carlisle called a “mild” calf strain, though the coach emphasized any calf issue “requires attention.”
- With several players banged up, Carlisle said the front office is in regular contact with the NBA about available personnel. Indiana was fined $100,000 last month for violating the player participation policy, and the club wants the league fully briefed heading into a stretch of five games in seven days. Those conversations have been ongoing since mid-January, the coach added.
Source: Hoops Rumors
