Ivica Zubac’s Comeback
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac is set to make his comeback on Saturday against the Boston Celtics after being sidelined for five games due to a Grade 2 sprained ankle. Zubac suffered the injury during a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 20, forcing him off the court and into recovery.
Season Performance
This season, he has been averaging 15.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, though these numbers have slightly decreased from last year, largely due to increased defensive pressure from opponents who have been more focused on him while the Clippers struggled to capitalize on that attention.
Clippers’ Winning Streak
The Clippers are looking to extend a winning streak, aiming for their seventh consecutive victory, and have achieved impressive margins in their last six games—each won by double-digit scores. A significant factor in this success has been Kawhi Leonard, who has returned to exceptional form, recently scoring 45 points in a game against the Utah Jazz.
Shooting Efficiency
The team has also seen a spike in their three-point shooting efficiency, connecting on 41.2% of their attempts during this stretch, while their rivals have faltered, shooting under 25% from beyond the arc.
Rookie Contributions
Additionally, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue has discovered reliable contributions from rookie Yanic Konan Niederhäuser, who has stepped up in Zubac’s absence, raising questions about future playing time even after Zubac returns.
Looking Ahead
This weekend, fans will see how Zubac’s return might alter the dynamics as the Clippers face the formidable Celtics.
