The Indiana Pacers hope to return to the playoffs following a disappointing 2025-26 season, and a big reason for that is center Ivica Zubac.

The Pacers acquired Zubac at the trade deadline last season, hoping he could fill a void at center for the franchise. Now that Tyrese Haliburton is back and healthy, Indiana's plan includes Haliburton and Zubac developing chemistry together, forming a dynamic unit alongside Pascal Siakam.

However, that plan took a hit on Sunday night when Zubac injured his left ankle against the Brooklyn Nets. Zubac rolled his ankle when he stepped on Kelly Oubre's foot while going for a rebound, and he wasn't able to return in the game.

Ivica Zubac rolled his ankle after stepping on Kelly Oubre Jr., and went back to the locker room https://t.co/7mCrAnWEsi

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) October 25, 2026

Zubac missing any amount of time would be a key blow for the Pacers in a difficult Eastern Conference, even if it is still early in the season. Here's the latest on Zubac's injury.

Ivica Zubac injury update

Zubac was diagnosed with a sprained left ankle after leaving Sunday night's game against the Nets, but the center reportedly left the arena on crutches. However, head coach Rick Carlisle said Zubac's X-rays came back negative, meaning Zubac seemed to avoid a broken ankle.

The Pacers return to action on Monday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, but Zubac was already ruled out hours before tip-off. Carlisle even mentioned on Sunday night that Zubac was unlikely to play in that game.

Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac got an x-ray on his left ankle, which came back negative, coach Rick Carlisle told me postgame. Carlisle said Zubac’s ankle is swollen and it’s unlikely he’ll play tomorrow night against the Milwaukee Bucks. Zubac left the arena on crutches. https://t.co/zq90UeE23r

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 26, 2026

Zubac will likely be out at least a few games, and potentially more depending on the severity of his sprain, but he avoided the worst-case scenario when the X-rays came back negative. As the Pacers are still early into their season, Indiana will likely take it slow with Zubac to make sure he is fully healthy upon returning.

With Zubac out, Jay Huff will likely be the one to slot into the starting center spot, just as he did for 47 games last season.

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