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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)
Heading into a matchup against the Phoenix Suns, the Indiana Pacers believed the March 12 matchup could mark the official debut of the veteran center, Ivica Zubac.
Over the past couple of weeks, the Pacers have insisted that Zubac’s debut would happen in 2025-2026 as long as he doesn’t suffer any setbacks. Zubac has been dealing with a left ankle sprain since the Pacers acquired him at the trade deadline.
With the Suns in town, the Pacers don’t have much to play for at this time. They are sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 15-50 record. A return for Zubac would be low-pressure. He was upgraded to questionable on Wednesday night.
Will Ivica Zubac Make His Debut vs. Phoenix Suns?
Ivica Zubac
GettyFormer Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac will make his Pacers debut on Thursday.
When Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle addressed reporters on Thursday evening, he confirmed that Zubac would make his debut with the team.
At the start of the season, Zubac believed he was in a contending situation with the Los Angeles Clippers.
A slow start to the year had the NBA world wondering if the Clippers would consider selling at the deadline. Initially, that wasn’t thought to be the case, but the Clippers seemingly changed their stance.
The star guard James Harden was shockingly moved to the Cleveland Cavaliers just days before the deadline went into place. Zubac was the next one involved in a stunner, landing with the Pacers.
When the Clippers cut ties with Zubac, he had played 43 games this year. Seeing the court for 30.9 minutes per game, Zubac was averaging 14.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on the year.
Considering the state of the Pacers, it was clear that the move for Zubac wouldn’t be all that beneficial this season. The Pacers don’t need to rush him back out on the floor, but it’s evident he still wants to finish the year strong, whether he’s a part of a playoff run or not.
A Fresh Start For The Big Man
Zubac started his NBA career at 19 years old in 2016. He was with the Los Angeles Lakers for the first three seasons.
In year three, Zubac was dealt to the Clippers. He would spend the next eight years of his career carving out a steady role for himself with LA’s other team. Zubac started in 470 of the 513 games he played for the Clippers. Throughout his career, Zubac posted averages of 11.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
Now, he’ll continue his career with the Pacers, who hope to get back on the right track next year, with the return of Tyrese Haliburton. Due to an Achilles injury, Haliburton planned to miss the entire 2025-2026 season. The instant presence of Zubac should be a major boost for the star guard when he’s back on the court for the start of the 2026-2027 NBA season.