Having weathered a challenging month in November, the Los Angeles Clippers are now in a harmonious form. Currently, they hold the 4th spot in the Western Conference, with their upcoming clash pitting them against the second-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. In their previous encounter between the two teams, the Clippers navigated a back-to-back schedule and were without Kawhi Leonard. However, the narrative is different this time around. The Thunder will enter the rematch fresh from a game, having suffered a defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Their matchup is gaining traction to possess the high potential of becoming a playoff series in the near future, adding layers of intrigue to the game. However, the Clippers will be without a crucial player in the game, whose absence can immediately impact the Clippers rotation.

Ivica Zubac will be out for 4 weeks

Ivica Zubac will be absent from the Clippers’ lineup for a second consecutive game, sidelined by a right calf strain. Adding to the setback, he will endure a four-week hiatus due to the calf strain. It’s worth noting that Zubac’s return to the court is contingent upon successfully passing a medical evaluation after his designated recovery period.

During the Clippers’ game against the Grizzlies, Zubac was taken back to the locker room, seeking treatment for discomfort in his right calf. Initially, there were no alarm bells. However, before the Clippers’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Clippers put up his name on the injury list; a game anticipated to be a significant test for him.

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The absence of Ivica Zubac is a considerable blow for the Clippers. Apart from putting up timely floaters in PnR, the entire team’s defense revolves around him. Over the past 10 games, Zubac is averaging 13.2 points with 73% shooting from the field. He is also averaging 1.3 blocks and 11.8 rebounds.

Zubac was once worried about his tenure with the Clippers

Zubac took center stage in a recent episode of Paul George’s podcast. He delved into his emotions when LAC acquired Paul George in 2019 and signed Kawhi Leonard in free agency. Furthermore, he shared his apprehensions about the impact these moves could have on his contract.

Zubac was caught off guard since there was no public announcement or social media buzz about his contract. However, they were filled with news regarding PD and Kawhi. Due to this, Zubac was pondering if his contract was voided. Moreover, he also thought that he was being traded to OKC for Paul George. It wasn’t until his agent intervened and reassured him that Zubac finally found clarity.

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