SUMMARY
- Los Angeles Clippers' starting center, Ivica Zubac, is currently sidelined with a right calf strain.
- Zubac's absence poses a significant challenge for the Clippers, who have been in good form with a 13-4 record since December 2.
Ivica Zubac, the starting center for the Los Angeles Clippers, is currently out with a right calf strain and is scheduled for a re-evaluation in four weeks, as reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania. This is highly unusual for Zubac, who had only missed 12 games since joining the Clippers in 2019.
The injury happened during the Clippers’ win over the Memphis Grizzlies last Friday. At first, the issue did not seem severe, as Zubac was not listed on the injury report for the following game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Clippers center Ivica Zubac will be re-evaluated in four weeks due to a calf strain.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 17, 2024
However, things got out of hand and Daniel Theis was eventually given the start at center. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue revealed that Zubac attempted to play but couldn’t perform well, leading to a last-minute decision to bench him for the game.
“It was a late scratch for Zu,” Lue said. “He tried everything he could to play, some stuff in the hallway, went through layup lines. But just couldn’t get it going. So it was smart for us to make sure that he didn’t try and do something, play and do something worse to it. So the decision was made right before jump ball.”
Ty Lue says that the Clippers will need Mason Plumlee and Daniel Theis to play bigger roles to compensate for Ivica Zubac’s injury. Lue called it a “hard loss.”
“I just feel bad for Zu,” Lue said.
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) January 17, 2024
Zubac has been a key player for the Clippers this season, averaging a career-high 12.4 points and 1.4 blocks per game. His presence has been crucial to the team’s success, with the Clippers showing an impressive 8.6 points per 100 possessions improvement when he is on the floor.
How Ivica Zubac’s injury will impact the LA Clippers
The absence of Ivica Zubac presents a major challenge for the Clippers, who have recently found their rhythm, achieving a 13-4 record since December 2. The chemistry between Zubac and James Harden, especially in pick-and-roll plays, has been a key factor in the team’s success. With a net rating of 9.0 with Zubac on the floor, his defensive skills and offensive contributions have been crucial.
To address Zubac’s absence, the Clippers will rely on Mason Plumlee, who is returning from an injury, and Daniel Theis, who has been effective since joining from the Indiana Pacers The duo is expected to keep the team afloat in Zubac’s absence. Also, it’s possible to use small-ball strategies with players like P.J. Tucker.
Ivica Zubac will be OUT for the next 4 weeks with a right calf strain. He’ll be re-evaluated and his status determined from there.
Huge blow for the Clippers, who have a 222-138 record (.617) all time when their defensive anchor play.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 17, 2024
The Clippers have faced injury concerns in the past, especially with key players like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. However, these stars have mostly been healthy this season and the team is positioned to manage the unexpected loss of their starting center. The challenge will be to manage their defensive and offensive efficiency without Zubac, whose impact is reflected in both his individual statistics and the team’s overall performance.