INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers’ frontcourt took a significant hit on Friday, with the team announcing that newly acquired center Ivica Zubac will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season due to a fractured rib. The injury occurred during Wednesday’s 127-119 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, effectively ending Zubac’s first stint with the Pacers after arriving via trade from the Los Angeles Clippers in February.
The Pacers confirmed the injury in a statement, noting that Zubac sustained the fracture during the game and will not return this season. Even as the prognosis is positive – the team indicated he is expected to make a full recovery – the timing is particularly unfortunate as Zubac was beginning to integrate into the Indiana lineup.
Ivica Zubac suffered a fractured rib during Wednesday’s game against Portland and will miss the remainder of the season.
More info: https://t.co/cwsktL52lc pic.twitter.com/wdyjfWnGf4
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) March 20, 2026
Zubac, 29, had been averaging 11.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 23.6 minutes per game across five appearances for Indiana. Prior to the trade, he was a key contributor for the Clippers, averaging 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds across 43 games. He even managed a strong performance in his final game before the injury, finishing with 18 points and 8 rebounds against Portland.
The injury leaves a void in the Pacers’ frontcourt, particularly as the team navigates a challenging stretch. Indiana entered Saturday with a record of 15-55, currently enduring a franchise-record 15-game losing streak. The loss of Zubac further complicates matters as they attempt to finish the season strong.
The timing of the injury is particularly notable given Zubac’s recent arrival. He had only just begun to find his footing with the Pacers, and the team was still evaluating how best to utilize his skillset alongside their existing core. The fractured rib interrupts that process and forces Indiana to re-evaluate its frontcourt rotation for the remainder of the season.
The Pacers acquired Zubac hoping to add size and rebounding to their roster, elements they’ve been lacking during their extended losing streak. His absence will be felt on both ends of the court, and the team will need to rely on other players to step up in his place.
The injury also raises questions about the Pacers’ long-term plans at the center position. With Zubac sidelined, the team will likely give increased minutes to other frontcourt players, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their abilities. This could influence the team’s decisions during the offseason as they seem to address their needs in the frontcourt.
Zubac’s injury isn’t just a blow to the Pacers. it’s a setback for the player himself. He was looking forward to contributing to a new team and proving his value in a different environment. While the injury is not expected to have any long-term effects on his career, it’s still a disappointing outcome for a player who was eager to make an impact.
The Pacers will continue their road trip Saturday night against the San Antonio Spurs. The team will be looking to snap their losing streak and find some momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. However, doing so without Zubac will undoubtedly be a significant challenge.
Indiana will need contributions from players like Obi Toppin and Isaiah Jackson to fill the void left by Zubac’s absence. The coaching staff will also need to adjust their game plan to account for the change in personnel. It remains to be seen how the Pacers will respond to this latest setback, but they will need to find a way to overcome adversity if they hope to salvage something from a difficult season.
The Pacers will undoubtedly monitor Zubac’s recovery closely, hoping he can return to full health and contribute to the team next season. For now, however, the focus is on navigating the remainder of the 2025-26 season without one of their key acquisitions.
What’s Next: The Indiana Pacers face the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, March 21st at 8:00 PM ET. The team will provide updates on Zubac’s recovery as they become available.
