Ivica Zubac is one of those players you don't really think about until he’s not there. He’s the ultimate "blue-collar" big man in an era of flashy seven-footers who want to be point guards. Lately, though, his name has been popping up in more than just the box scores. Between a lingering ankle issue and some wild fluctuations in his scoring, people are starting to wonder what’s actually going on with the Clippers' center.
If you’ve been tracking the Ivica Zubac last 5 games, you’ve seen a bit of a rollercoaster. One night he looks like an All-Star snub, and the next, he’s barely taking three shots. It's weird. But honestly, that’s just the reality of playing next to high-volume guys like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what the tape actually shows from this recent stretch.
The Big Zu Stat Line: A Mixed Bag
Looking at the Ivica Zubac last 5 games, the raw numbers tell a story of a guy trying to find his rhythm after a stint on the sidelines. On average, he’s putting up about 12.6 points and 9 rebounds. That’s solid, but it doesn't quite capture the "how" and "why" of his impact.
Take the January 7th game against the Knicks. Zu was a beast. He dropped 22 points on 11-of-14 shooting and snatched 11 rebounds. He was basically living in the paint, feasting on offensive boards. It felt like he couldn't miss. Fast forward just two days to the Brooklyn game, and he finishes with 5 points.
Why the massive drop?
It wasn't that he played poorly, necessarily. He just didn't get the looks. He only took 5 shots. When the Clippers' perimeter game is humming, Zubac often becomes a glorified screen-setter. It’s a thankless job, but he does it without complaining, which is why Ty Lue loves him.
Breaking Down the Matchups
Every game in this five-game stretch presented a different challenge for the 28-year-old Croatian.
The Knicks Battle (Jan 7)
This was probably his best individual performance recently. Facing a physical New York frontcourt, Zubac recorded a double-double and showed off his improved touch around the rim. He had 8 offensive rebounds. That is a massive number. It kept possessions alive when the Clippers' shooters were cold.
The Detroit Grind (Jan 10)
Against the Pistons, he was more of a defensive anchor. He finished with 17 points and 6 rebounds, but more importantly, he was a +18 on the floor. He recorded 2 blocks and played 32 minutes, showing that his stamina is holding up despite the ankle concerns.
The Hornets Squeeze (Jan 12)
This is where things got a bit concerning. He played 27 minutes, put up 9 points and 11 rebounds, but he left the game early. The training staff was looking at his left ankle again. Even though the Clippers pulled out the 117-109 win, the vibe in the locker room was cautious.
The Ankle Situation: Should Fans Be Worried?
We have to talk about the injury. It’s the elephant in the room whenever we discuss the Ivica Zubac last 5 games. He’s been dealing with a left ankle sprain that just won’t seem to go away completely. He missed time in late December and early January, and then he was ruled out for the January 14th game against the Wizards.
Ankles are tricky for big men. All that weight coming down on a joint that isn't 100% is a recipe for a setback.
The Clippers are currently 16-23 and fighting for their lives in the Western Conference. They cannot afford to lose Zu for an extended period. When Brook Lopez has to step into the starting lineup, the dynamic changes. Lopez is a veteran and a great locker room guy, but he doesn't provide the same vertical gravity or rebounding presence that Zubac does at this stage of his career.
Trade Rumors and the Bigger Picture
Believe it or not, Zubac’s name has been circulating in trade rumors lately. Teams like the Hawks and even the Celtics have reportedly kept an eye on him. It makes sense. He’s on a reasonable contract and he’s a walking double-double.
But would the Clippers actually move him?
It seems unlikely unless they get a massive upgrade or a haul of picks. He’s too central to their defensive identity. According to recent tracking data, opponents shoot significantly worse at the rim when Zubac is the primary defender compared to when he’s off the floor.
He’s currently 4th in the NBA in rebounds per game, averaging 10.7 for the season. You don't just replace that kind of production overnight.
What the Tape Doesn't Show
Stats are great, but they miss the little things. If you watch the Ivica Zubac last 5 games closely, you'll see how much work he does just to get James Harden an open lane. His screen-setting is elite. He’s basically a moving brick wall.
He’s also improved his passing. He’s averaging about 2.4 assists this season, which is a career-high. In the Brooklyn game, even though he only scored 5 points, he had 4 assists. He’s becoming a bit of a hub at the top of the key, which helps alleviate some of the pressure on the primary ball-handlers.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Big Zu?
The Clippers have a tough stretch coming up, including games against the Raptors and Lakers. The priority has to be getting that ankle right.
If Zubac can stay healthy, he’s a lock for 15 and 11 every night. If he’s hobbled, the Clippers' defense starts to leak oil. They rank 8th in the NBA in points allowed, which is impressive given their record, and Zu is the biggest reason for that.
For fantasy owners or just die-hard Clippers fans, the move is to monitor the injury reports about an hour before tip-off. He’s officially day-to-day, but the team has been very conservative with his minutes when he does play.
Actionable Insights for Following Zubac:
- Check the Injury Report: Always look for the "left ankle sprain" tag. If he's "Questionable," there's a 50/50 chance he sits or plays limited minutes.
- Watch the First Quarter FGA: If the Clippers don't get him a touch in the first five minutes, he likely won't hit his scoring average.
- Focus on Offensive Boards: His value often comes from second-chance points. In games where he struggles to score, look at his rebounding to see if he's still making an impact.
- Monitor the Backup Minutes: If Brook Lopez or John Collins are playing 20+ minutes, it’s a sign the coaching staff is managing Zubac’s load.
Zubac might not be the guy selling jerseys in the gift shop, but he’s the guy keeping the Clippers in games. Keep a close eye on his recovery over the next week—it’ll likely determine if LA can make a real push for the play-in tournament or if they'll start looking toward next season.