Ivica Zubac

Ivica Zubac had a disappointing start to his tenure with the Pacers, but he had a good game in this one. He got second chance points, the pick and roll was done well with Nembhard, and he looked more comfortable in the offense. We saw him two years ago be an awesome and impactful player with the Clippers, so the hope is that he can get on a similar level for the Pacers, and tonight was a good sign for fantasy managers and Pacers fans.

For the third time in five games and the first time since October 23, Zubac hit double figures in rebounds. He missed five games with a sprained ankle, so the 7-footer is still finding his footing. And it doesn’t help that Tyrese Haliburton is out with a strained hamstring. That absence has negatively impacted the Pacers offensively, and Zubac attempted just five shots on Saturday. The Pacers play four games next week, starting with the Mavericks on Monday.

Zubac is available after missing five games with a sprained ankle. His return will push Jay Huff to the bench, eliminating most of Huff’s already-limited fantasy value.

After spraining his ankle during an October 25 win over the Nets, Zubac has missed the Pacers’ last five games. If he can play on Wednesday, the Pacers will likely drop Jay Huff to the bench, even if they limit Zubac’s minutes.

Speaking with media on Monday, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said Zubac is doing better and walked into the arena without a boot, but will not rush the big man back. This is the same injury that held the 7-foot center out for some time last season. Jay Huff will continue to start in his absence.

No surprise here as Zubac played only seven minutes after injuring his ankle in Sunday’s win over the Nets and was seen leaving the arena on crutches. The good news is the x-rays were negative and Zubac appears to have avoided a long-term injury. Jay Huff should get the start in Zubac’s absence and is worth streaming.

The x-ray came back negative on his left ankle, but did leave the arena on crutches due to a swollen ankle. Although the center will most likely be sidelined on Monday vs. the Bucks, Zubac has seemed to avoid any long term injury for now. It’s something for fantasy managers to watch over the next few days.

Zubac sprained his left ankle in the first quarter of Sunday’s game and has since been ruled out. Jay Huff entered the lineup at the start of the third quarter, but Zubac’s absence also means more minutes for Obi Toppin.

Zubac sprained his left ankle with about five minutes remaining in the first quarter and has not returned to the Pacers’ bench since. If he can’t return, Obi Toppin and Jay Huff will get the available minutes. The Pacers also play on Monday, so fantasy managers could be without Zubac for the start of Week 2.

Tyrese Haliburton’s performance was incredible, but Zubac’s numbers shouldn’t be overlooked. If this game was an indicator, he should be in for a monster season with Haliburton feeding him the ball. This stat line came in just 18 minutes, making it even more impressive. His sixth-round ADP could end up being a bargain, and he will be vital to the Pacers’ chances of making more noise in the playoffs.

Zubac suffered a fractured rib in Wednesday’s loss to the Trail Blazers. According to Dopriak, the 29-year-old center will miss the rest of the season due to the anticipated healing time. Jay Huff would be the top candidate to move into the starting lineup with Zubac sidelined.

Zubac played 23 minutes before having to exit early due to a hit to the head. The good news is that the 7-footer was not experiencing a headache after the game and did not need to enter concussion protocols, but the hit did leave a knot. The Pacers don’t play again until Saturday against the Spurs, which could be enough time for Zubac to recover fully.

Zubac is available despite initially being listed as questionable with an ankle injury. The 28-year-old center could get Wednesday’s game against the Trail Blazers off with the Pacers playing a back-to-back.

Tuesday’s game is the first of two in as many nights for the Pacers, so there are likely to be some absences either against the Knicks or the Trail Blazers. Zubac and Toppin were available for Sunday’s loss to the Bucks, with the former starting and the latter coming off the bench.

Zubac and Toppin were in the rotation for Friday’s loss to the Knicks, playing 29 and 16 minutes, respectively. If the former doesn’t play, that would open the door for Jay Huff to start. However, Huff is not a lock to provide reliable fantasy value, as his minutes have been limited when he starts.

There was some surprise regarding the Pacers’ decision to play Zubac and Andrew Nembhard (8/5/7/2) in both games of their back-to-back. And while head coach Rick Carlisle said that they would be under minutes restrictions, the tandem played 29 and 32 minutes, respectively. Zubac had a decent night, recording a complete stat line. Regarding the minutes, the rivalry between the franchises may have been a factor. That’s something to be mindful of next week, as Tuesday’s rematch is the first game of a back-to-back for Indiana.

Zubac made his long-awaited debut for Indiana after they acquired him ahead of February’s trade deadline. He was solid in 16 minutes in the first half, though he didn’t suit up in the second half. It was great to see him suit up for his new team, but it is clear that the priority for the Pacers is to still maintain their pick, which is top-four protected. Zubac is still a fantasy star, but he may not get the opportunity to play enough to prove it over the rest of the season.

Zubac has been sidelined since early February, which was before he was traded to Indiana. This will be his first action in a Pacers uniform, though managers shouldn’t be surprised if his minutes are limited. Still, it will be good to see him back out on the floor. Jay Huff will likely be pushed to the bench with Zubac available.

Zubac is progressing in his recovery from a sprained ankle, but he may not return to game action anytime soon. And, given where the Pacers are in the standings, it would likely be in the team’s best interest to keep Zubac out for as long as possible. Jay Huff should remain in the starting lineup.

Fantasy managers will have to wait a little longer to see Zu in a Pacers’ uniform, and it’s unlikely he sees a ton of run for Indiana down the stretch of a lost season. While Zubac is on the shelf, Jay Huff should continue to start at center.