Los Angeles Clippers’ beginning heart Ivica Zubac is coping with a proper calf pressure and can be re-evaluated in 4 weeks, in accordance with The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Such an absence is extremely uncommon for Zubac, who had missed solely 12 video games since becoming a member of the Clippers in 2019 previous to Tuesday’s information.
Zubac’s absence can be important for a Clippers workforce that has been enjoying very effectively of late. After shedding their first 5 video games with James Harden, the Clippers have gone 22-6 since. The growing chemistry between Harden and Zubac in pick-and-roll has been a giant purpose for that success. Zubac is averaging a career-high 12.4 factors and 1.4 blocks per recreation this season. As a workforce, the Clippers have been 8.6 factors per 100 possessions higher with him on the ground than with out him this season. He’s their defensive anchor and an more and more essential a part of their offense, so he can be missed whereas he’s out.
Fortuitously, the Clippers are getting former backup heart Mason Plumlee again from the harm he suffered earlier this season. They’ve additionally gotten good manufacturing out of Daniel Theis, whom they signed after he was purchased out by the Indiana Pacers earlier within the season. The 2 of them ought to be capable of preserve the Clippers afloat whereas Zubac recovers, and if needed, Los Angeles has sufficient ahead depth to doubtlessly play small-ball for stretches. P.J. Tucker has largely been out of the rotation these days, however Zubac’s absence may earn him just a few small-ball heart minutes.
Accidents have been anticipated to be an issue for the Clippers this season as they’ve for the previous a number of, however Zubac was the final participant they anticipated to lose. Fortuitously, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, who’ve each handled myriad accidents since becoming a member of the Clippers, have largely been in a position to stay on the court docket. So long as they’ve their stars, the Clippers can survive a stretch with out their beginning heart.
