Ivica Zubac Set to Make Pacers Debut

Center acquired from Clippers to play first game with new team against Suns

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:25pm

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After being acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers, center Ivica Zubac is set to make his debut for the Indiana Pacers against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, March 12. Head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed that Zubac will be on a minutes restriction after missing the past 15 games while rehabbing an ankle injury he originally suffered during his time with the Clippers.

Why it matters

Zubac's debut represents the first step in evaluating how he fits into the Pacers' organization and plans moving forward. It's also an opportunity to see how Zubac's strengths and skills mesh with the Pacers' style of play, especially with several key players sidelined.

The details

In a pregame interview, Carlisle spoke about what Zubac brings to Indiana's frontcourt, describing him as a 'unique combination of size and skill' with a 'power element' to his game that the Pacers haven't had since the days of Roy Hibbert. Carlisle also discussed how the Pacers plan to use the final stretch of the season to integrate Zubac into the lineup and get him reps with the team's main players.

  • Zubac will make his Pacers debut on Thursday, March 12 against the Phoenix Suns.
  • Zubac has been out for the past 15 games while rehabbing an ankle injury.

The players

Ivica Zubac

A center who was recently acquired by the Indiana Pacers from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Rick Carlisle

The head coach of the Indiana Pacers.

Andrew Nembhard

The only key contributor available for the Pacers on Thursday night, as several other players are sidelined.

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What they’re saying

“'Zu is a unique combination of size and skill. There's a power element to his game that we probably haven't seen with this organization since Hibbert, or guys like that. He passes it. He catches it. He's a great finisher around the rim and he rebounds the ball. Tonight, he'll jump in right off the start of the game.'”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach, Indiana Pacers (FanDuel Sports Network)

“'We've got to make the best of this. We've got to use the opportunities wisely, try to get him reps with our main guys as much as possible, and use this period as a launching pad for next year.'”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach, Indiana Pacers (FanDuel Sports Network)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Zubac's debut with the Pacers represents an important opportunity for the team to evaluate how he fits into their long-term plans, especially with several key players sidelined. The final stretch of the season will be crucial for integrating Zubac and building chemistry with the team's main contributors.