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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 05: Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks to pass during a game against the Golden State Warriors at Intuit Dome on January 05, 2026 in Inglewood, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers still haven’t played Ivica Zubac since they traded for him. Zubac has been sidelined with an ankle injury since the trade deadline. Right before the trade deadline, he missed just one game with the Clippers before being traded.
Since the trade, Zubac has missed the last 14 games. He has been traveling with the team and has been spotted on the sidelines. Yet, he hasn’t played. Meanwhile, the Pacers keep losing games. They became the first team eliminated from playoff contention after blowing a 20-point lead to the Kings.
After that embarrassing loss, Rick Carlisle was asked about when Zubac might make his team debut. He continues to deflect.
GettyLos Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac dunks the ball. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Pacers Give Cryptic Ivica Zubac Update
Carlisle was extremely cryptic when asked by Dustin Dopirak of the IndyStar about Zubac.
“Anyone have a definition of soon? We’re all in the NBA. There’s great possibilities looming all the time.”
Carlisle has said that Zubac will play this year for the Pacers, but has yet to give a definitive timeline. It’s clear Indiana wants to lose as many games as possible, and keeping Zubac on the sideline is helping that objective. They now have the worst record in the NBA.
Instead of playing Zubac, the Pacers continue to start Jay Huff at the center spot. They back him up with Micah Potter. There’s a chance neither of those players is on the roster next season, although Huff is more likely to return as a backup center.
Before he was traded to Indiana, Zubac was averaging 14.4 points and 11 rebounds per game. Clearly, Indiana is happy with what he can do for their future, but they have no intention of letting him improve their present. Not when a top-four pick is at stake.
GettyIndiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle looks on. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Indiana Will Continue to Tank as the Season Finishes
The Pacers want to have the worst record in the league so they have a better chance of keeping their pick. If they stay in that spot, they have a 52.1 percent chance of having a top-four pick, according to Tankathon. If the pick falls out of that range and into the 5-9 range, the Clippers take the pick.
As far as when Zubac could make his debut for his new team, it wouldn’t be surprising if it didn’t happen until the end of the month. He will likely only play a handful of games as Indiana continues to try to solidify their chances of keeping that pick.
Indiana has even started sitting Pascal Siakam in games down the stretch. Siakam is one of the most durable players in the league. He has never played fewer than 55 games in his career. There’s no sense in him getting hurt with the team pushing for title contention next year.
The Pacers have never had the number-one overall pick in the NBA Draft. They would make team history if they received that this year.