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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 16: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 16, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Clippers 121-118. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Out in Los Angeles, the Indiana Pacers will go head-to-head against one of their trade partners from the deadline on Wednesday, March 4.
While the game could’ve been an opportunity for the veteran center Ivica Zubac to face his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Pacers are going to continue rolling without the big man. Zubac is nursing an ankle sprain.
He’s been with the Pacers for nearly a month, but has yet to make his debut with the team. Considering the state of the Pacers at this point of the 2025-2026 NBA season, it’s reasonable to question whether Zubac will suit up again this season.
The Pacers Send A Clear Message On Ivica Zubac’s Availability
Ivica Zubac
GettyIvica Zubac could still play for the Indiana Pacers this season.
Wednesday night in LA is out of the question for Zubac, who was ruled out for the 12th game in a row. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle can’t put a date on when Zubac could be back in action, but he seems sure that the veteran center will make his Pacers debut this season.
“Yeah, he’ll play this season,” Carlisle told reporters, according to the Indianapolis Star. “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.”
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Heading into Wednesday night’s clash against the Clippers, the Pacers are holding a 15-46 record. They are tied with the Brooklyn Nets for the worst record in the Eastern Conference. Despite being championship contenders over the past couple of seasons, the Pacers’ shortcomings this season haven’t come as a shock.
During the NBA Finals in 2025, Indiana’s top star, Tyrese Haliburton, suffered an Achilles injury. Once it was clear Haliburton was on pace to miss the entire 2025-2026 season, the Pacers were seen as a team that could be headed for a gap year. With some other key losses and injuries piling up throughout the year, the Pacers struggled to stay afloat in the absence of their star guard.
Building For The Future
GettyIvica Zubac will spend a few seasons with the Indiana Pacers.
On February 5, the Pacers picked up Zubac and Kobe Brown from the Clippers in exchange for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and multiple draft picks. The acquisition of Zubac was a clear win-now move for any team picking up the veteran center, but the move was made with the future in mind.
Months leading up to the deadline, Zubac was one of the top centers on the market. The veteran center appeared in 43 games for the Clippers this season. He averaged 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds.
Throughout his 10-year career, Zubac played eight seasons for the Clippers. The other seasons were with the LA Lakers. As a member of the Clippers, Zubac posted averages of 11.4 points (62% FG), 9.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks.
With Haliburton planning to make a full recovery next year, the Pacers picked up Zubac with next season and beyond in mind. The veteran landed in Indiana with multiple seasons left on his deal. Next year, Zubac is slated to make $20.3 million. He’ll pick up $21.7 million throughout the 2027-2028 season, before becoming a free agent in 2028.