Clippers Face Challenge with Zubac Injury
The Los Angeles Clippers are facing a significant challenge as their center, Ivica Zubac, is set to be sidelined for several weeks due to a Grade 2 sprain in his left ankle. This injury was reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, but details regarding when he might return remain unclear.
Injury Details
Zubac’s injury occurred late in the first quarter during a weekend match against the Los Angeles Lakers, where the Clippers secured a 103-88 victory. The incident happened when Zubac jumped for a shot and landed awkwardly on the foot of LeBron James, causing him to fall hard to the court. He was unable to continue playing and exited the game, limping towards the locker room without returning.
In that game, Zubac contributed five points and two rebounds in only 11 minutes before the injury halted his participation. The 28-year-old has had a strong season, averaging 15.6 points and 11.1 rebounds over his eight seasons with the Clippers, following his selection by the Lakers in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Team Performance
The Clippers’ recent victory was a bright spot in what has been a troubling stretch, as they sit with a record of just 7-21 heading into their next matchup against the Houston Rockets. They have struggled significantly, managing to win only three out of their last 16 games. Despite Kawhi Leonard’s standout performance, where he scored a season-high of 32 points, the win marks the Clippers’ first success at home since the end of October.
Looking Ahead
As the team tries to regain its footing this season, losing Zubac, their dependable center, complicates their efforts and poses additional hurdles for a team already struggling to find its rhythm.
