Clippers Face Season Setback as Zubac Sidelined with Ankle Injury
The Los Angeles Clippers are experiencing a rollercoaster start to their 2025-26 season. Despite securing an impressive 103-88 victory over their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, on Saturday night, the celebration was short-lived. The win, while morale-boosting, came against a Lakers team already dealing with their own injury concerns. However, what should have been a momentum-building moment for the Clippers has instead been overshadowed by significant injury news that threatens to derail their early-season progress.
According to respected NBA insider Chris Haynes of Prime Video, Clippers’ defensive anchor Ivica Zubac is expected to miss at least three weeks of action after sustaining a Grade 2 left ankle sprain. The Croatian center, who has established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive big men and earned All-Defensive team honors, left Saturday’s game against the Lakers before the second half began. His absence was immediately felt, though veteran Brook Lopez, a former All-Star, stepped in admirably to help secure the victory. Zubac’s injury comes at a particularly challenging time for a Clippers team that has already been described as struggling through the opening weeks of the season.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Clippers, who were looking to build consistency and chemistry in a Western Conference that offers little room for extended slumps. Zubac’s defensive presence has been a cornerstone of the Clippers’ identity, with his rim protection and rebounding providing stability for a team that has often relied on its defensive capabilities to remain competitive. The three-week timeline means he could miss approximately 10-12 games, many against potential playoff contenders, putting additional pressure on an already stressed roster to maintain their position in the standings during his absence.
For Zubac personally, this injury interrupts what had been developing into another strong campaign. The center has steadily improved throughout his career, transforming from a role player to an essential defensive anchor. His growth has mirrored the Clippers’ ambitions as a franchise, making his absence particularly significant for a team with championship aspirations. The organization will now face the challenge of adjusting their defensive schemes and rotations to compensate for the loss of their starting center, likely meaning increased responsibilities for Lopez and potentially more small-ball lineups.
The silver lining, if there is one, might be found in the depth the Clippers have cultivated at the center position. By acquiring Brook Lopez in the offseason, the team had already secured an experienced backup with starting capabilities. Lopez, known for his floor-stretching abilities and shot-blocking prowess, offers a different but valuable skill set that could help the Clippers weather Zubac’s absence. Additionally, this situation may create opportunities for younger players to gain valuable experience that could prove beneficial later in the season or during a potential playoff run.
As the story continues to develop, the Clippers’ response to this setback will reveal much about their resilience and adaptability as a team. Championship-caliber squads often point to how they overcame adversity during the regular season as formative experiences that strengthened their resolve. For now, the organization and its fans must hope that Zubac’s recovery proceeds smoothly and that the team can maintain competitive momentum until his return. The coming weeks will be a significant test of the Clippers’ depth, coaching creativity, and overall organizational strength as they navigate this challenging period without one of their most valuable defenders.
