INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers have suffered another blow to their frontcourt, with center Ivica Zubac ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season after sustaining a fractured rib. The injury occurred during Wednesday’s 127-119 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, bringing a premature conclude to Zubac’s first season in Indiana.
Zubac, acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this month, had appeared in just five games for the Pacers. His debut was initially delayed due to a prior ankle injury and the recent birth of his daughter, Sienna. The injury sustained against Portland adds to a challenging season for the Pacers, who currently hold the worst record in the league.
BREAKING: Ivica Zubac is OUT for the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season after he suffered a fractured rib in Wednesday’s game vs. Portland.
Since being traded to Indiana from Los Angeles, Zubac appeared in 5 games &. averaged 11.6 PPG & 7.2 RPG.
Get well soon, Zubac! ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/WrYzDnW2Fc
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) March 20, 2026
The injury occurred in the fourth quarter when Zubac took an elbow from Portland’s Donovan Clingan. Initially diagnosed with a head contusion, further evaluation revealed the more serious rib fracture, according to reports from Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star and fieldhousefiles.com. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle expressed concern following Wednesday’s game, noting Zubac had a visible mark on his forehead, but the rib injury wasn’t immediately apparent.
Prior to the injury, Zubac was beginning to find his rhythm with the Pacers, delivering what was described as his best performance as a member of the team on his 29th birthday. He finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and a block in the game against the Trail Blazers. The Pacers had hoped Zubac would provide a stabilizing presence in the frontcourt alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
With Zubac sidelined, the Pacers will turn to Jay Huff and Micah Potter to fill the void at center. Potter’s availability, however, remains uncertain, creating further challenges for coach Carlisle. The team will need to rely on increased minutes from these two players down the stretch of the season.
The timing of the injury is particularly frustrating for the Pacers, who invested significantly to acquire Zubac. The team traded Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and two first-round picks to the Clippers for the center, hoping he would be a key piece of their future. Given Indiana’s current record of 15-55, and their positioning for a high pick in the upcoming NBA draft, the immediate impact of losing Zubac is somewhat mitigated, but it still represents a setback.
The Pacers’ focus now shifts to evaluating their existing roster and preparing for the 2026-27 season. The hope is that Zubac, along with Haliburton and Siakam, will form a formidable core for the team. However, the immediate priority is to navigate the remainder of the current season without one of their key acquisitions.
The injury to Zubac is the latest in a series of setbacks for the Pacers this season. The team has been plagued by injuries, contributing to their struggles on the court. The loss of Zubac further complicates matters as they attempt to finish the season strong.
The Pacers are scheduled to continue their season on Friday, March 22nd, against the Charlotte Hornets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM EST (11:00 PM UTC). Further updates on Zubac’s recovery and the Pacers’ roster will be provided as they turn into available.
Fans can follow the Indiana Pacers for official updates and news on their website, NBA.com/Pacers, and on their official social media channels.
