Can the Pacers survive losing Zubac early? The starting center twisted his left ankle in the first quarter of Sunday’s Brooklyn win and never returned, Tony East reports. He collided with teammate Kelly Oubre Jr. while battling a rebound.
Zubac, 29, limped out on crutches, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, and is doubtful for Monday’s Milwaukee clash. Indy hasn’t filed an injury report ahead of the game.
“X‑rays show no fracture, but there’s swelling,” coach Rick Carlisle said after the game, East notes. “He probably won’t suit up tomorrow, though we hope it’s just a day‑to‑day issue. He might feel better by morning, but it’s hard to tell.”
“I spoke with him post‑game; he insisted he’ll be fine,” Carlisle continued. “He missed time last year with a similar problem, and we gave him ample rest after the trade. Not sure if it’s the same ankle, but we’re hopeful it isn’t severe.”
The injury involves the same left ankle that sidelined him for an extended stretch last season.
Backup big Jay Huff stepped up, dropping 14 points on 5‑of‑6 shooting, adding three assists, three blocks and two rebounds in 21 minutes. After a DNP‑CD in the opener and a brief five‑minute stint versus Dallas, he proved his worth. Larry Nance Jr. also earned more minutes, contributing six points and six boards. For my money, Huff’s performance signals Indy has a reliable understudy.
Below is additional Pacers news:
- Oubre’s free‑agent debut was rough – just seven points on 3‑of‑15 shooting over his first two games – but he sparked Sunday, especially early. “We’re more decisive now,” he said at halftime, adding, “I’m playing harder and they’re letting me be myself.” The 30‑year‑old finished with 14 points on 6‑of‑9 shooting in 20 minutes.
- Assistant GM Ted Wu gave an update on third‑year wing Johnny Furphy, who is rehabbing a torn right ACL from February. “Johnny has met every benchmark; the medical staff’s reports stay positive, and he looks great,” Wu said. “The original timeline points to a mid‑year return, though I won’t pin a exact date, I’m confident his rehab is on track.”
- Despite being shorthanded – Zubac, Furphy, T.J. McConnell (hamstring) and Ben Sheppard (torn meniscus) are out – the club got good news Sunday. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton confirmed he’ll be active against the Bucks, East reports. The upcoming games mark his first consecutive starts since tearing his Achilles in June 2025. Will Haliburton’s back‑to‑back appearance reignite Indy’s playoff push?