Pacers Center Zubac Out for Season with Rib Injury

10-year NBA veteran suffered fracture in loss to Trail Blazers

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:10am

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Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac will miss the remainder of the 2026 NBA season after suffering a fractured rib during the team's recent home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, according to a report from the Indianapolis Star.

Why it matters

Zubac's injury is a significant blow to the Pacers, who acquired the 29-year-old center in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers in early February. As a starter, Zubac had been averaging a double-double for the Pacers prior to the injury.

The details

Zubac sustained the rib injury after taking an elbow from Portland's Donovan Clingan during the Pacers' 127-119 loss on Wednesday night. Zubac left that game with a head contusion but was also holding an ice pack on his side, indicating the rib issue. In five starts for the Pacers, Zubac averaged 11.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

  • Zubac suffered the rib injury during the Pacers' 127-119 home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on March 19, 2026.
  • Zubac turned 29 years old on March 18, 2026.

The players

Ivica Zubac

A 10-year NBA veteran center who was recently acquired by the Indiana Pacers from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Donovan Clingan

A Portland Trail Blazers player whose elbow caused Zubac's rib injury during the March 19, 2026 game.

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What’s next

The Pacers will need to determine how to replace Zubac's production in the lineup for the remainder of the season.

The takeaway

Zubac's season-ending injury is a significant setback for the Pacers, who were counting on the veteran center to provide a boost after acquiring him in a trade earlier this year. The team will have to adjust its rotation and game plan without Zubac's presence in the middle.