Ivica Zubac moved from out to day-to-day on the injury report early Thursday because of a left ankle injury. The Pacers' center now has a chance to play Friday at Miami, with an expected return listed for Oct. 30.
What happened
Zubac's status changed from out to day-to-day on the injury report at 12:43 a.m. ET Thursday, Oct. 29. The injury is to his left ankle. The report's comment still reads: "Zubac (ankle) is out for Wednesday's game against the 76ers." It lists an expected return of Oct. 30. His status has gone back and forth all week. He was first listed day-to-day on Sunday, Oct. 25. He was out on Monday. On Tuesday he went to day-to-day and then back to out.
What it means for the Pacers
Indiana plays at Miami at 8 p.m. ET Friday, Oct. 30. The Pacers are 2-3, in 10th place and on a two-game losing streak. Zubac's absence has shown up in the results. They are 2-1 with him and 0-2 without him. In three games he has averaged 9.0 points and 9.0 rebounds in 21.4 minutes, with 1.3 assists. In the two games without him, Pascal Siakam averaged 32.1 minutes and 24.0 points. Obi Toppin averaged 22.9 minutes and 15.2 points, and Jarace Walker averaged 21.0 minutes and 5.6 points. Tyrese Haliburton, Ben Sheppard, Johnny Furphy and T.J. McConnell are all listed out, so the rotation is already thin.
What to watch
The next injury report before the Miami game will show whether Zubac goes from day-to-day to available or back to out. He has changed status four times in five days, so an early listing may not hold. The report gives Oct. 30 as his expected return, which is the date of the Heat game. Whether he starts or has a minutes limit has not been announced.
Is Ivica Zubac playing at the Heat on Friday, Oct. 30?
He is listed day-to-day with a left ankle injury, and the injury report gives Oct. 30 as his expected return. No final decision has been announced.
When will Ivica Zubac be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Oct. 30, the date of Indiana's game at Miami. His status has changed several times this week, so watch the next report.