Clippers center out several weeks with ankle sprain.

Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac is expected to miss several weeks due to an injury suffered on Saturday, Dec. 20, against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Clippers have already struggled throughout the season and the loss of their big man won’t help their cause.

Zubac’s absence will likely be noticeable out on the court despite the Clippers having a veteran-heavy roster.

Despite Zubac’s injury, the Clippers defeated the Lakers 103-88 and now have a 7-21 record. They currently sit 13th in the Western Conference standings, having finished in fifth place and ended the 2024-25 season in the first round of the playoffs.

Last season, Zubac finished sixth in the NBA defensive player of the year voting and was second for the most improved player award. He was also named to the league’s All-Defensive second-team.

Here’s the latest on Zubac’s injury and his expected timetable to return:

Ivica Zubac injury update

Zubac will miss three weeks due to a grade 2 left ankle sprain after being re-evaluated on Sunday, according to NBA on Prime reporter Chris Haynes.

Zubac suffered a left ankle injury late in the first quarter against the Lakers on Saturday. He was attempting to make a play under the basket when the injury occurred.

He was seen limping off the court and to the locker room. He did not return to the game.

Who is Ivica Zubac’s backup?

Brook Lopez is expected to start in place of Zubac while he is sidelined with the injury.

Lopez, an 18-year NBA veteran, signed a two-year, $18 million deal with the Clippers in July.

He has averaged 15.7 points, six rebounds and 1.4 assists per game during his career.

He has averaged just six points, two rebounds and 0.5 assists in 21 games off the bench this season.

Ivica Zubac stats

Zubac has averaged 15.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 28 games played for the Clippers this season.

When do the Clippers play next?

The Clippers will host the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. PT)