Before the LA Clippers’ locker room evaluation on Ivica Zubac’s ankle, he limped off the court. He needed assistance, then received a hand from Luka Doncic plus words of encouragement. The timeline Zubac was given was three weeks, yet five games later, he is cleared, suggesting a rushed return due to Brook Lopez’s flopped showcases.
Clippers center Ivica Zubac is available to return to action for Saturday's home game against the Boston Celtics, as L.A. goes for seven wins in a row, sources tell ESPN. Swift comeback for Zubac, who attacked his rehab after sustaining a Grade 2 ankle sprain over two weeks ago. https://t.co/KDhnSHtrza
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 3, 2026
The Clippers are aware that they cannot ride on Lopez’s 31-point night. He has been a horror story in five out of the six games LA has won in a row. In three, he shot 20% from the field or lower, and even missed 11 three-pointers versus the Portland Trail Blazers.
Thus, being slightly ahead of schedule is normal, as Derrick Jones Jr. also returned earlier than expected, but coming back approximately a third of the time sooner is a red flag that suggests LA understands Lopez's flaws and instability.
Forcing Ivica Zubac back could lead to an irreparable mistake
Though the LA Clippers have no business being comfortable despite winning six in a row, Tyronn Lue has proved that Brook Lopez as the starting center can work. It is actually not as bad as it may seem, as he has started for five consecutive games, and the Clippers have won by double-figures in all of them.
Though it would hurt to have the winning streak snapped by the Boston Celtics tonight, the Clippers need Ivica Zubac for the season. They will be just fine with Lopez on Neemias Queta and Luka Garza.
In fact, during the season, Lopez averaged 7.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists, shooting 37.2% from the field. He has also been a great veteran, leader, and motivator to Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who is doing elite-level stuff on the court in his first year.
Additionally, the area Lopez has not slacked in is rim protection. His block numbers have been solid at a total of nine in the last six games, and he is challenging everyone in his way. The veteran big man is as brave as they come.
Moreover, speeding up Zubac’s recovery carries a significant risk. He is simply going to be more susceptible, which puts the coaching staff and front office in a position of long-term damage.
That said, it is safe to say the Clippers have doubts about Lopez. They are winning, mainly because of others, and are reminiscing on having an inside offense that is highly efficient with Zubac.