Ivica Zubac's left ankle sprain is the story before tonight's game at Milwaukee. The Pacers arrive at 2-1 after a 136-109 win in Brooklyn.
Zubac's ankle and the middle
Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files reported that Rick Carlisle said Zubac's x-rays on the left ankle were negative, but the swelling remains and he is unlikely to play in Milwaukee. Agness also reported that Zubac went down seven minutes into the Brooklyn game and never returned. The injury list has him day-to-day. Jay Huff started the second half, per Agness, and finished with 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting, plus three blocks in 21 minutes. Larry Nance Jr. played 22.
Brooklyn showed the pace
Indiana won the second quarter 41-30 and the third 37-24, then led by 27. Agness reported 21 threes, three times the total from the Dallas game. Tyrese Haliburton had 24 points and 10 assists and was +29 in 31 minutes. Pascal Siakam added 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists. The ball moved, and the shots followed.
Milwaukee and one question
The Bucks are 0-3 with three straight losses, and tonight is their second game in two nights. The Pacers had a day off. Myles Turner, ten seasons in Indiana, now plays for Milwaukee. Next comes the 76ers at home on Wednesday. The open question is whether Indiana can keep making threes and protecting the ball if Zubac sits.
Will Ivica Zubac play against the Bucks?
He is listed day-to-day with a left ankle sprain. Scott Agness reported that Rick Carlisle said the x-rays were negative but the ankle is swollen, and that Zubac is unlikely to play.
Where do the Pacers stand in the East?
Indiana is 2-1 and sixth in the East, on a one-game winning streak after beating the Nets 136-109.