Central Division Updates: Zubac Nearing Return, Porter’s Knee Swells, Kuzma’s Role, Pistons Effort Questioned
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INDIANAPOLIS — Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle expects newly acquired center Ivica Zubac to log minutes before the season concludes, despite the club’s second-worst record in the league. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since spraining his left ankle on February 2 but took part in limited practice during the All-Star break.
“Yeah, he’ll play this season,” Carlisle told reporters Wednesday. “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 who isn’t 100 percent.”
Indiana targeted multiple centers ahead of February’s trade deadline before landing Zubac from the Clippers. A second-team All-Defensive pick last year, he averaged 14.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 43 games for Los Angeles prior to the injury and is expected to start for the Pacers next season.
Pacers Lineup Continues to Shuffle
Forward Obi Toppin started in his first game back from a prolonged injury absence last week, becoming Indiana’s 34th different starter this season. Carlisle indicated he will keep testing combinations as injuries dictate. “During the games I look at the plus-minus and see what’s happening,” he said, noting that limited healthy bodies leave “just a few” options to “keep dabbling.”
Porter Sits with Renewed Knee Swelling
Milwaukee guard Kevin Porter Jr. was held out Wednesday because of swelling in his right knee, the same knee in which he tore the meniscus early this season. Head coach Doc Rivers said additional tests are scheduled Thursday. “We’re hoping not [an extended absence],” Rivers stated. “It’s a lot of swelling and then you have concerns.” He added the knee has bothered Porter for “the last couple of weeks” but had not previously swollen to this extent.
Kuzma Bench Move Not Permanent
Kyle Kuzma opened Monday’s loss to Boston on the bench, yet Rivers emphasized the switch will not become customary for the Bucks forward.
Pistons Effort Draws Criticism
Following two meetings with Cleveland over the past week, Detroit split the series but left head coach J.B. Bickerstaff dissatisfied with his club’s intensity. “I’m frustrated with the effort level [and] the attention to detail,” he said, pointing to lapses on the glass. “If we’re outworked, this isn’t going to be the result that we want.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
