Pacers Get Encouraging Ivica Zubac Injury Update Amid 5-Game Skid
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Pacers Get Encouraging Ivica Zubac Injury Update Amid 5-Game Skid
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 16: Ivica Zubac #40 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball while defended by Myles Turner #33 of the Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on October 16, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) Getty
Alder Almo·HEAVY
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 21: Ivica Zubac #40 of the Indiana Pacers blocks the shot of Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on October 21, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Gardner/Getty Images) Getty
The Indiana Pacers finally have some encouraging news on the injury front.
Starting center Ivica Zubac has been upgraded to questionable for Wednesday's road game against the Memphis Grizzlies, raising the possibility of his return after missing five consecutive games with a left ankle sprain.
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The upgrade appeared on the NBA's official injury report Tuesday evening, less than 24 hours after Indiana's 108-104 loss to the Atlanta Hawks stretched its losing streak to five games.
Zubac was previously ruled out for Monday's contest, making his improved designation a welcome development for a Pacers team that has struggled with injuries throughout the opening weeks.
Ivica Zubac Nearing Return From Ankle Injury
Getty Ivica Zubac of the Indiana Pacers blocks the shot ofZion Williamsonof the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on October 21, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Zubac has appeared in just three games this season, averaging 9.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks while shooting 60% from the field.
The 7-foot center opened the season with 16 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks in a victory over theNew Orleans Pelicans.
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He followed that performance with nine points and 11 rebounds against Dallas before playing just seven minutes in Indiana's Oct. 25 victory over Brooklyn.
He hasn't played since.
His absence has forced coach Rick Carlisle to rely more heavily onJay HuffandLarry NanceJr. in the frontcourt.
Huff has provided valuable minutes, but Indiana has missed Zubac's physical presence, particularly on the glass.
The Pacers acquired Zubac from the Los AngelesClippersin February, surrenderingBennedict Mathurin,Isaiah Jacksonand three draft picks to secure their long-term answer at center.
His potential return would bring some stability to a lineup that has rarely been at full strength.
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The Pacers need more than one healthy player to reverse their recent struggles. Still, getting Zubac back would give Carlisle another dependable option on both ends of the floor.
His questionable designation doesn't guarantee he'll play Wednesday.
But after five straight absences, the Pacers have finally received a positive indication that their starting center could be getting closer to returning.
