Clippers' Ivica Zubac set to miss time

The struggling Los Angeles Clippers received tough news on Sunday.

Center Ivica Zubac is out around three weeks due to a Grade 2 left ankle sprain, according to NBA reporter Chris Haynes.

Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac will be sidelined for 3 weeks after suffering a Grade 2 left ankle sprain, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/HrELbsrGBb

Zubac suffered the injury during the first of the Clippers' 103-88 win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. He was later ruled out and did not return.

He's appeared in every game for the Clippers this season, averaging 15.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and one block per night. He's shooting 60.6% from the field, which ranks ninth in the NBA. His 32 minutes per night ranks third on the Clippers, behind James Harden (35.6) and Kawhi Leonard (33.1)

Zubac has been a key member of the Clippers' rotation since joining the team in 2018. He's in his eighth season with the club. He's largely stayed healthy in his career, as he's played in 80 games for LA last season.

He averages 10.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists in his NBA career.

The Clippers are thin at the center position without Zubac. They could turn to Brook Lopez and Yanic Konan Niederhauser after the injury.

Lopez hasn't seen consistent minutes since signing with the team last offseason. He's averaging six points and two rebounds in 14 minutes per game. Head coach Ty Lue could also deploy smaller lineups with John Collins at the five spot.

Los Angeles (7-21) has had a difficult start to the season. They're 13th in the Western Conference and have lost 10 of their past 12 games.

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