The Los Angeles Clippers will get their starting center back on Saturday, as Ivica Zubac is set to return for the matchup against Boston, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Los Angeles confirmed the update in its latest injury report, marking the first time Zubac has been absent from the list since suffering a Grade 2 left ankle sprain on December 20.
The timeline represents a quicker-than-expected recovery, as the big man was initially projected to miss at least three weeks but will return after about two.
Before the injury, he had been producing 15.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game while anchoring the frontcourt.
Despite his absence, the Clippers have found momentum, winning six straight games – including five without Zubac – after a rough start to the season.
During that stretch, Brook Lopez helped reshape the offense with improved floor spacing, opening driving lanes for James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.
With Zubac back, Los Angeles regains its interior stability while keeping positive rotation options moving forward.
Clippers' Ivica Zubac To Return Saturday https://t.co/PGhREAG88N pic.twitter.com/1Zzv5UNNXq
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 3, 2026
