Pacers Await Zubac's Return From Ankle Injury

Newly acquired center still not close to playing after recent trade

Feb. 20, 2026 at 6:07am

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The Indiana Pacers' newly acquired center Ivica Zubac participated in a limited capacity in practice on Tuesday, but coach Rick Carlisle said Zubac and forward Obi Toppin are still making "steady but gradual progress" in recovering from their respective ankle and other injuries, and it will still be "a while" before they return to action.

Why it matters

The Pacers acquired Zubac from the Clippers just before the trade deadline, hoping he can provide much-needed stability and production in the frontcourt. However, his continued recovery from an ankle sprain suffered in late December means the Pacers may not benefit from his addition this season as they remain in rebuilding mode.

The details

Zubac has not yet played for the Pacers since being traded, as the team is allowing him time to fully recover from the ankle injury that caused him to miss five games in late December and early January. Though he returned on Jan. 3, the injury was not fully healed. Zubac is averaging 14.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per game this season.

  • Zubac suffered the ankle injury in late December 2025.
  • Zubac missed five games due to the injury but returned on Jan. 3, 2026.
  • The Pacers acquired Zubac in a trade on Feb. 5, 2026.

The players

Ivica Zubac

A center acquired by the Indiana Pacers from the Los Angeles Clippers in a recent trade. Zubac is currently recovering from an ankle injury suffered in late December 2025.

Rick Carlisle

The head coach of the Indiana Pacers.

Obi Toppin

A forward for the Indiana Pacers who is also recovering from an injury alongside Zubac.

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What they’re saying

“Zubac and forward Obi Toppin are making 'steady but gradual progress' from their injuries, but 'it's gonna be a while.'”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach, Indiana Pacers (indystar.com)

What’s next

The Pacers will continue to monitor Zubac's recovery and progress in practice, with no definitive timeline for his return to game action.

The takeaway

The Pacers' acquisition of Zubac was intended to bolster their frontcourt, but his continued recovery from an ankle injury means he may not be able to contribute much this season as the team remains in rebuilding mode. However, his presence could provide stability and production next season when the Pacers expect their star point guard Tyrese Haliburton to return from injury.