Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac will miss the rest of the season after suffering a fractured rib in Wednesday’s loss to Portland, according to Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.
Zubac exited that game early after taking an elbow to the head from Donovan Clingan and spoke afterward about the head contusion, though it’s unclear when the rib injury occurred.
The veteran big man, who was acquired from the Clippers at the trade deadline, had only recently returned from a left ankle sprain and appeared in just five games for Indiana.
In those outings, all losses, he averaged 11.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in 23.6 minutes. He finishes the season having played 48 total games due to multiple injuries.
Indiana viewed Zubac as a long-term piece, hoping he can anchor the frontcourt next season alongside a healthy Tyrese Haliburton.
With Zubac out, Jay Huff is expected to step back into the starting role, while Micah Potter could also see minutes once he returns from a triceps issue.
Ivica Zubac To Miss Rest Of Season With Fractured Rib https://t.co/LtmJ0SPNkd pic.twitter.com/89WHcUUHaB
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 20, 2026
