Ivica Zubac makes Pacers debut in loss to Suns

Losing streak reaches 11 as Pacers fall to Suns

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:35am

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The Indiana Pacers lost their 11th straight game, falling 123-108 to the Phoenix Suns at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Newly acquired center Ivica Zubac made his Pacers debut, scoring 8 points and grabbing 6 rebounds in 16 minutes of play. Guard Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 23 points in the first half but did not return for the second half. The Suns were led by Devin Booker's 43 points and Jalen Green's 36 points.

Why it matters

The Pacers are in last place in the Eastern Conference and are focused on developing young talent and positioning themselves for the NBA Draft lottery. Zubac's debut provided a glimpse of his potential to be the Pacers' long-term answer at center, while Nembhard's strong first half performance showed his growth as a scorer. The loss extended the Pacers' losing streak to 11 games.

The details

Zubac scored 8 points on 4-of-6 shooting, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished out 2 assists in his 16 minutes of play. His physical presence and passing ability created opportunities for his teammates. Nembhard scored 23 points on 6-of-7 shooting in the first half, but did not return for the second half due to low back and neck soreness. The Suns were led by Booker's 43 points and Green's 36 points, pulling away in the second half against the Pacers' depleted roster.

  • Zubac made his Pacers debut on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • The Pacers lost their 11th straight game on March 13, 2026.

The players

Ivica Zubac

A 7-foot, 240-pound center who was acquired by the Pacers in a trade with the Clippers. He is expected to be the Pacers' long-term answer at the center position.

Andrew Nembhard

A fourth-year guard for the Pacers who scored 23 points in the first half but did not return for the second half due to injury.

Devin Booker

A five-time NBA All-Star and the Suns' leading scorer, pouring in 43 points in the win.

Jalen Green

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Green scored 36 points to help lead the Suns to victory.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Pacers will look to end their 11-game losing streak when they host the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, March 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Despite the Pacers' struggles this season, the debut of Ivica Zubac provided a glimpse of his potential to be a key piece of the team's future. The Pacers will continue to focus on player development and positioning themselves for the NBA Draft lottery as they look to rebuild and return to contention.