LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac will miss several weeks due to a left ankle sprain, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Zubac was diagnosed with a Grade 2 ankle sprain, and while a specific timeline for his return is not yet known, the team is preparing for a significant period without their starting big man.
This injury comes at a critical time for the struggling Clippers, who are desperately trying to find consistency and climb out of a deep hole near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The loss of Zubac's interior presence, rebounding, and reliable scoring will test the depth and resolve of a team already facing immense pressure.
Filling in for Ivica Zubac is a formidable task
Ivica Zubac absence leaves a massive hole in the LA Clippers' rotation, as he has been one of the few consistent bright spots in a disappointing season, averaging a solid 15.6 points and 11.1 rebounds.
His ability to anchor the defense, set solid screens, and finish around the rim has been crucial to the team's success over the past few years. Without him, the Clippers lose their primary rim protector and their most reliable source of offensive rebounding.
The injury occurred late in the first quarter of Saturday’s 103-88 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, when Zubac landed awkwardly on LeBron James’ foot after attempting a shot. He immediately limped off the court and did not return, a sight that sent a clear message of concern to the Clippers' bench and their fanbase.
The Clippers do not have any viable replacements
The primary question facing the LA Clippers' coaching staff is how to manage the minutes at the center position. There is no single player on the roster who can seamlessly step in and replicate Ivica Zubac's production.
The most immediate candidate to step into the starting role is likely to be a combination of existing forwards and centers. Options include a smaller, more mobile lineup, maybe playing Collins at the 5, who can provide defensive versatility but lacks the size to battle opposing centers.
Alternatively, any true center they acquire will be asked to take on a significantly increased workload. They will need to provide consistent rebounding and defense, something Collins has struggled to do in extended minutes this season.
The team may also opt to lean heavily on small-ball lineups, pushing Kawhi Leonard to play more minutes in the frontcourt. However, none of these options can fully replicate Zubac's unique blend of size and production, particularly his elite rebounding and defensive positioning.
The Clippers will be tested through their ability to weather the storm
The LA Clippers' 8-21 record following last night's win over the Houston Rockets is already a major concern.
The Clippers might be gaining some momentum, but losing Ivica Zubac threatens to derail all of it. The team needs to find a way to stay competitive and prevent the season from slipping away entirely before he returns.
The onus will fall on the team's stars, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, to elevate their play and carry a heavier load, both offensively and defensively, to keep the Clippers afloat during this challenging period. Their ability to perform without their starting center will ultimately determine the fate of the season.
Zubac's injury forces the Clippers to confront their lack of front-court depth head-on, and replace his double-double production.