Overview
- Ivica Zubac was cleared pregame by coach Rick Carlisle and debuted for Indiana on March 12 against the Suns, logging 8 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists in 16 minutes in a 123-108 loss.
- Zubac had not played since Feb. 2 because of a left ankle sprain suffered earlier in the season, returning after his mid-February trade from the Clippers.
- Indiana acquired Zubac and Kobe Brown for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks and a second-rounder, with this year’s Pacers first-rounder top-four protected.
- The Pacers hold the NBA’s worst record and are managing minutes late in the season to bolster the odds of keeping that protected pick, while integrating Zubac as a long-term frontcourt piece.
- For Friday’s game against the Knicks, Indiana listed Zubac as questionable on the injury report following his debut.