Pacers center Ivica Zubac exits Nets game with left ankle sprain
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The gist
Pacers center Ivica Zubac left Sunday's game in Brooklyn with a left ankle sprain, questionable to return.
The 29-year-old is Indiana's key big man after a February trade from the Clippers.
Background
Ivica Zubac is a 29-year-old center for the Indiana Pacers and a member of the NBA's 2024-25 All-Defensive team. The Pacers acquired him from the Los Angeles Clippers in February 2026 in a deal that sent Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson and draft picks to Los Angeles. He averaged a double-double in each of the past two seasons and had 16 points and 15 rebounds in Indiana's win over New Orleans on Wednesday. He also dealt with an ankle injury last season.
How it unfolded
- 2016The Lakers drafted Zubac 32nd overall.
- Feb 2026The Pacers acquired Zubac from the Clippers for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson and draft picks, including Indiana's 2026 first-rounder.
- Oct 21, 2026Zubac scored 16 points with 15 rebounds and two blocks in the Pacers' 123-120 win over the Pelicans.
- Oct 25, 2026Zubac sprained his left ankle in the first quarter against the Nets in Brooklyn after stepping on Kelly Oubre Jr.'s foot while chasing a rebound; he had two points, two assists and a rebound.
- Oct 25, 2026He tried to play through it for a few possessions, then asked out and limped to the locker room; the Pacers listed him questionable to return, and Larry Nance Jr. checked in.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The Pacers said Zubac has a left ankle sprain and is questionable to return to the game in Brooklyn.
- Analysts
- Reporter Tony East described Zubac landing on Oubre's foot and rolling the ankle, battling through a few possessions before Nance replaced him.
- Expert
- Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton called Zubac the best rebounder the team has played with and said his screening lets Haliburton run pick-and-roll at a different pace.
Still unverified
Zubac's status for the rest of the Nets game was listed as questionable to return; reporter Scott Agness said he did not see Zubac on the bench and presumed he was in the locker room for evaluation and taping.